Burton’s NIL Request Prompts Study Committee Discussion

The Interim Study Committee on Education met today at the Indiana Statehouse to discuss possible guidelines for name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts for Indiana high school students. Last school year, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Board of Directors passed a bylaw allowing Indiana student-athletes to take part in Personal Branding Activities (PBA). PBA contracts are similar to the NIL deals that have become common among college student-athletes.

Today's discussion came at the request of State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville). In April, he wrote a letter asking the committee to study NIL guardrails.

Burton issued the following statement:

"Youth sports are evolving, and Indiana has an opportunity to lead by establishing thoughtful, responsible guardrails that protect the integrity of school-based athletics while empowering student-athletes.

"With 54 high school students signing NIL/PBA contracts in the state's inaugural year, it is clear that the impact of NIL/PBA on students, schools, teams and communities will only grow. We have an opportunity to get ahead of these changes and build a sustainable model that protects our traditions while preparing our young people for the opportunities and responsibilities ahead.

"The IHSAA has been very helpful in my research into this topic, and I am grateful for their partnership as the General Assembly continues to tackle this issue. I appreciate the committee's discussion today, and I am hopeful that we can continue this discussion during the 2027 legislative session."