CLEVELAND — Ohio Judge Approves Temporary Order for High School Athletes’ NIL Deals

An Ohio judge granted a temporary restraining order on Monday, enabling high school athletes across the state to pursue lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements.

Judge Jayza Page of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court ruled that all students enrolled in the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s 818 schools can enter their own contracts related to NIL. This is a significant change, as Ohio has been one of only six states imposing restrictions on high school athletes accepting payments for their NIL.

Interestingly, the other states that maintain similar rules include Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming.

The case originates with a lawsuit filed by Jamiah Brown’s mother, Jasmine Brown, on October 15 in Franklin County. Brown, a senior at Wayne High School in Huber Heights—just outside Dayton—ranks as the top wide receiver prospect in the Class of 2027 and has verbally committed to attend Ohio State University.

According to Brown and her legal team, Jamiah has already lost out on potential NIL deals worth over $100,000. “This ruling is significant, not only for Jamiah but for all athletes in Ohio,” said Luke Fedrum, Brown’s attorney from Amundsen Davis law firm in Columbus. “Forty-four states already allow high school athletes to benefit from NIL.”

Previously, the OHSAA had decisively rejected a NIL proposal in 2022, with a vote of 538-254. However, the Board of Directors had approved new language for another proposal aimed for a vote in May. In light of Monday’s ruling, there’s speculation that the timeline for this decision may be expedited.

OHSAA spokesman Tim Streed remarked, “We anticipated the judge’s ruling and are currently finalizing communication regarding next steps for our member schools. Details will be shared on Tuesday.” Another hearing concerning the preliminary injunction is set for December 15.

It’s worth noting that Fedrum emphasized the distinction between high school and college NIL. “High school NIL has specific regulations to maintain the integrity of sports and competition,” he explained. Unlike college, where collectives for recruitment exist, such structures aren’t permitted at the high school level, and most states have rules concerning eligibility transfers and maintenance.