COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new bill in the Ohio House, House Bill 661, would reverse a recent policy change by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and ban student athletes from earning money through name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements.
Legislative Action Follows Policy Shift
The bill, sponsored by Republican Representatives Adam Bird and Mike Odioso of the Cincinnati area, argues that high school sports should prioritize fun, social interaction, and educational opportunities. Reps. Bird and Odioso contend that NIL deals could be detrimental to the integrity of middle and high school athletics, potentially burdening young athletes with responsibilities they are not prepared for.
The proposed legislation comes after the OHSAA reversed its previous ban on NIL deals following a legal challenge. A Franklin County judge temporarily blocked the ban in October, leading to the November policy allowing students to profit from their NIL, with certain restrictions. The current OHSAA policy prohibits the use of school logos or mascots in sponsorships, restricts branding activities during school events, and prevents payment for athletic performance itself.
Concerns Over Athlete Preparedness
“They’re emotionally and psychologically unprepared,” said Odioso, who previously served as a teacher and football coach for 16 years at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. Bird and Odioso claim that nearly 250 schools abstained from voting on the November OHSAA policy, indicating widespread reservations about allowing NIL deals at the high school level.
OHSAA spokesman Tim Stried stated the organization “looks forward to providing information on the process taken to develop the proposal and safeguards that went to our membership for a vote last fall.” He also noted that NIL opportunities at the high school level differ significantly from those available to college athletes.
House Bill 661 is scheduled for its first hearing in the House Education Committee on Wednesday morning. Both Bird and Odioso are members of the committee, with Odioso serving as vice chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does House Bill 661 propose?
House Bill 661 would ban Ohio High School Athletic Association policies allowing middle and high school students to earn money from businesses using their name, image, and likeness.
Why did the OHSAA change its NIL policy in the first place?
The OHSAA reversed its previous ban on NIL deals after a Franklin County judge temporarily blocked the ban in October, following a lawsuit filed by the family of a Wayne High School athlete.
How many states currently allow high school athletes to enter into NIL deals?
Forty-four states permit high school students to enter into NIL deals, but only five have done so through legislative action, with the remaining deferring to their state high school athletic governing bodies.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, will Ohio lawmakers prioritize the concerns of student athlete well-being or the potential economic opportunities presented by NIL agreements?
