Kentucky High School NIL Legislation
Kentucky allows high school student-athletes to earn NIL compensation. Effective since May 2024.
Current Status
Allowed
Governing Body
Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA)
Effective Date
May 2024
Timeline
Kentucky NIL Journey
June 24, 2021
EO 2021-418
Governor Beshear signed emergency executive order allowing college NIL - signaled pro-NIL stance.
March 9, 2022
SB 6 "Pay to Portray"
General Assembly passed landmark law codifying NIL and giving KHSAA "safe harbor" to legalize.
May 2024
KHSAA Bylaw 10 Update
After two years of observation, Board of Control officially updated Amateur Rule for high schoolers.
Jan 28, 2026
SB 130 Introduced
Bill requires licensing for any "enterprise" providing $1k+ to athletes - includes high schoolers in registry.
Allowed
Key Provisions
What Kentucky allows
SB 6 "Pay to Portray Act" (2022) codified NIL as permanent state law
KHSAA Bylaw 10 officially legalized high school NIL (May 2024)
SB 130 (2026): License any "enterprise" providing $1k+ to athletes (including high schoolers)
"Market Value" rule - compensation must be commensurate to prevent hidden inducements
Louisville vs Lexington market divide drives high local valuations
Prohibited
Restrictions
What Kentucky prohibits
Strict IP Prohibition: No school name, logo, mascot, or school-issued uniform
No "Market Manipulation" - watchdog rule against paying benchwarmer $50k as inducement
No pay-for-play - cannot receive bonus for athletic performance
No recruitment inducements
Banned: sports betting, cannabis/vaping, adult entertainment, mission-conflicting deals
Compliance
How Framework Helps Kentucky
Our platform is built specifically for Kentucky's NIL requirements
KHSAA Bylaw 10 Compliance
Market value verification and inducement prevention
Collective Licensing Ready
Prepared for SB 130 registry requirements when passed
Louisville/Lexington Markets
Regional brand partnership tools for divided market
KRS 164.6941 Compliance
Full alignment with Kentucky "Pay to Portray" statutory requirements
Ready to Navigate Kentucky NIL?
Framework provides the education, compliance, and management tools that Kentucky schools, families, and athletes need to succeed with NIL.