Some High School Stars Projected to Make Millions Off NIL

On July 1, the NIL era didn’t open up just for college athletes. Many high school athletes can now profit before they ever step foot on a college campus — and some are projected to make millions of dollars.

Bronny James is the latest to position himself for NIL earnings. The California prep star recently filed three trademarks with suggested use for video games, clothes, and NFTs, attorney Josh Gerben reported.

James could make $5.1 million, according to On3 — higher than any men’s player on the list. But he’s not the only one with major potential.

• Basketball player Mikey Williams, represented by Excel Sports Management, recently inked a deal with Puma. On3 predicts he could rake in $2.9 million.
• Basketball player Jada Williams signed with Spalding. The company declined to disclose financial details.
• Quarterback Arch Manning could also be worth $1.6 million, per On3.

Not All States Are Equal

Not every high school athlete can participate in NIL, however. A complex web of state laws, high school association rules, and lack of national regulation have created a landscape where only some states explicitly allow high school activities. Others don’t allow it, while many have no clear guidance at all.

California and New York, for example, have confirmed that high schoolers can participate. Texas, on the other hand, has a state law explicitly prohibiting it.