Ohio Judge Temporarily Lifts Ban on High School NIL Deals
In a landmark decision, a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge has temporarily lifted restrictions that prevented Ohio high school athletes from entering name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
The ruling, issued Monday by Judge Jaiza Page, could immediately impact more than 800 schools governed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).
The lawsuit was filed by Jasmine Brown on behalf of her son, Jamier Brown, a junior at Wayne High School in Huber Heights and one of the top wide receiver prospects in the class of 2027.
Brown, who has verbally committed to Ohio State University, has reportedly lost over $100,000 in potential NIL opportunities due to the existing ban.
“This is a significant ruling not only for Jamier but high school athletes across the state of Ohio,” said attorney Luke Fedlam of Amundsen Davis law firm in Columbus. “There are 44 states that already allow high school athletes to enjoy that benefit.”
Ohio had been one of only six states, alongside Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming, that still prohibited student-athletes from profiting off their likeness.
The OHSAA previously voted against an NIL proposal in 2022 but was preparing to revisit the issue next spring. With the court’s decision, that timeline may now accelerate.
OHSAA spokesperson Tim Stried noted that the association expected the judge’s ruling and is preparing guidance for member schools. A follow-up hearing on a preliminary injunction is set for December 15.
Fedlam emphasized that high school NIL rules differ significantly from those in college sports, noting that established guardrails are in place to prevent recruitment abuses and maintain fairness.
At the heart of this case lies a broader principle: the child’s right to benefit from their own talent and labor. Just as education, safety, and dignity are protected rights, so too is the right of young athletes to be fairly recognized and compensated for their abilities, provided the systems around them ensure transparency and equity.
