• July 2, 2026 | 12:15 PM - 1:10 PM
• PCC,105AB

Name, Image, and Likeness and the Changing World of Youth Sports

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights is set to significantly impact youth sports by offering young athletes new avenues for income and brand development. High school athletes, particularly those with strong social media following or exceptional athletic talent, can now secure an endorsement deal or monetize their personal brands. This financial opportunity can ease family financial pressures or offset training costs, but it also introduces new pressures and expectations. Athletes who seek NIL funding must balance their online personas, schoolwork, and training. Reports of athletes receiving substantial NIL deals garner widespread attention, but these deals are very rare. However, NIL policy changes are impacting youth sports because the number of athletes receiving material goods or small-moderate monetary compensation is growing rapidly. As the landscape regarding NIL and youth athletes’ shifts, it will be critical for all members of the healthcare team to understand regulations of NIL and how it may impact the healthcare they provide.

Learning Objectives - Recite a brief history of NIL and how it has evolved over recent years.
- Describe cutting edge research in this area including how parents of young athletes perceive NIL in a variety of different settings (college, high school, elementary-aged athletes).
- Summarize a new, evidence-based model depicting how financial incentives for sport participation may influence the beliefs, actions, and behaviors of youth athletes, parents, coaches, sports organization (e.g., clubs), and school administrators.
- Describe how the changing athletic landscape might impact athletic trainers in a variety of settings.

Keywords: Policy; Financial Incentives; Social Media