Tennessee High School NIL Legislation
Tennessee allows high school student-athletes to earn NIL compensation. Effective since December 8, 2022.
Current Status
Allowed
Governing Body
Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA)
Effective Date
December 8, 2022
Timeline
Tennessee NIL Journey
April 2022
HB 2249 Foundation
Governor Lee signed athlete-friendly NIL law, removing state-level barriers for younger athletes.
Dec 8, 2022
TSSAA "Opening Day"
Legislative Council voted unanimously. That same day, Shajai Jackson signed first TN high school deal.
Feb 23, 2024
Tennessee v. NCAA
Federal judge stripped NCAA of power to ban recruiting inducements - "Nuclear Option" for high school recruiting.
March 5, 2025
One-Time Transfer Bylaw
TSSAA passed 8-4 vote allowing single transfer without sit-out penalty.
Jan 1, 2026
SB 2391 Codification
State law forbids TSSAA from using state funds if they restrict first-time transfers.
Allowed
Key Provisions
What Tennessee allows
"National Vanguard" - state that broke NCAA's power through court system
Tennessee v. NCAA (Feb 2024) stripped NCAA of "recruiting inducement" enforcement power
One-Time Transfer Law (SB 2391) - TSSAA cannot restrict first-time transfers
First TN high school deal: Shajai Jackson with Lakeway Auto (Dec 8, 2022)
"Total Athlete Mobility" model - removed barriers to pay AND movement
Prohibited
Restrictions
What Tennessee prohibits
Strict "No Marks" Policy - no school uniforms, logos, or gear suggesting school endorsement
No "TSSAA" Accolades - cannot use "State Champion" or "Mr. Football" in advertising
Payment must be for "Instructional services" or non-performance activities
No school facilitation - coaches/principals cannot negotiate or promote deals
12-MONTH PENALTY for violations (wearing jersey in TikTok ad = 1 year ineligible)
Compliance
How Framework Helps Tennessee
Our platform is built specifically for Tennessee's NIL requirements
TSSAA Article II Section 12
Compliance tracking for 12-month penalty prevention
Transfer Freedom Tools
One-time transfer documentation and eligibility verification
Instructional Service Contracts
Templates ensuring payment is for non-performance activities
Tennessee v. NCAA Compliance
Navigate post-injunction recruiting conversation rules
Ready to Navigate Tennessee NIL?
Framework provides the education, compliance, and management tools that Tennessee schools, families, and athletes need to succeed with NIL.