California High School NIL Legislation
California allows high school student-athletes to earn NIL compensation. Effective since September 1, 2021.
Current Status
Allowed
Governing Body
California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)
Effective Date
September 1, 2021
Timeline
California NIL Journey
Sept 30, 2019
SB 206 Signed (The "Big Bang")
Governor Newsom signed Fair Pay to Play Act on LeBron's "The Shop." First state NIL law in US history.
Aug 31, 2021
SB 26 Acceleration
Moved effective date up and clarified protections extend to high school athletes via CIF.
2023-2024
AB 252 Revenue Sharing
Student Athlete Bill of Rights pushed for schools to share revenue with athletes.
2025-2026
Calhoun v. CIF Ruling
Courts ruled CIF cannot prevent NIL licensing, but can bar school logo usage without permission.
Allowed
Key Provisions
What California allows
NIL treated as a civil right - any age, any grade level
Most "athlete-friendly" state in the nation
Disclosure form required within 5-10 days of signing
Can license NIL but cannot use school-affiliated logos without permission
No age limits unlike other states
Prohibited
Restrictions
What California prohibits
No school jerseys, logos, or mascots in ads (Bylaw 212)
No inducements - boosters cannot pay for transfers
No endorsement of cannabis, tobacco, alcohol, or gambling
Schools cannot facilitate deals
Compliance
How Framework Helps California
Our platform is built specifically for California's NIL requirements
CIF Bylaw 212 Compliance
Automated checks to ensure no school marks in content
Disclosure Tracking
5-10 day disclosure deadline monitoring and reminders
Contract Management
Digital contract storage with version control
Financial Literacy
Required education on taxes, contracts, and money management
Ready to Navigate California NIL?
Framework provides the education, compliance, and management tools that California schools, families, and athletes need to succeed with NIL.