CHARLESTON- In the latest episode of things we thought we would never see, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has now been approved for high schoolers and middle school athletes in West Virginia which means players can be paid to play high school–and yes, middle school– sports in the Mountain state.
The WVSSAC approved the policy last month and went into full effect last Friday.
Things are a little confusing because if a player participates in a local commercial and receives funds from that company or business, they cannot mention their school name or wear any clothing with their school’s logo because THAT would damage their eligibility as an amateur athlete.
Also, no school employees of any kind, including coaches can be involved in the student’s NIL’s use. The WVSSAC encourages students and parents to reach out to the Director of Compliance for eligibility questions and concerns.
How it Started:
NIL began at the college level in 2021 and was actually spearheaded by former WVU running back Shawne Alston. He disagreed that a school could make millions of dollars off an athlete’s name and the athlete received nothing. Well, legally.
When NIL started, it was meant for players to receive a portion of funds for autographs, memorabilia sold, and things like that. However, it has turned into a free-for-all with almost literally no end in sight, although there have been discussions about dollar limits, but that is most likely a few years down the road.
