Louisiana passes NIL laws for teen athletes
New state rules require agent registration and parental consent as high school players seek endorsement deals.
By Martin Reynolds ·
Louisiana lawmakers recently passed legislation to regulate name, image, and likeness deals for K-12 student athletes. The new laws allow young players to sign lucrative contracts while adding specific requirements for transparency and accountability. The state aims to protect minors as the influence of professional sports money expands into the high school and junior high levels.
The debate over amateur athletics has intensified since the NCAA permitted college athletes to monetize their likeness in 2021. That change has trickled down to younger levels of competition. In Louisiana, the number of student athletes affected by these deals is unclear, but state officials say regulation is now necessary to manage the growing financial interests involved.
State Senator Patrick Connick, a Republican, sponsored one of the key bills that took effect in August. This law requires agents representing student athletes to register with the Louisiana Attorney General's office. These agents must also complete training and pass background checks. Connick stated that the purpose of the legislation is to prevent unqualified individuals from taking advantage of young players and their families.
Another provision sets up guardrails for minors and their guardians. A minor now requires parental consent to sign an NIL deal. The rules also restrict student athletes from profiting from marketing deals involving specific products. These restricted categories include drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and weapons.
Easton Royal, a senior at Brother Martin High School, illustrates the current reality for top recruits. Scouts rank the 17-year-old wide receiver as the number one player in the nation. He is committed to the University of Texas, though social media speculation suggests he might stay in state for Louisiana State University. Royal receives offers that could significantly impact his family's finances.
Royal said the money would help his mother, a single parent working three jobs to support three boys. He described the opportunity as a way for her to stop working as many overnight shifts. Royal said he stays grounded by keeping a low profile and relies on his mother and her trusted circle for advice on agents and contracts.
Coach Mark Bonis has led the Brother Martin Crusaders since 2009. He coached Royal since eighth grade and praised the player's growth and maturation. Bonis said Royal's work ethic sets the standard for the program, often requiring the coach to pull him off the field during intense practices. Bonis supports NIL deals for high schoolers, arguing that players should benefit from the use of their likeness, while distinguishing this from a pay-to-play model.
John J.T. Curtis Jr., the winningest high school football coach in Louisiana history, has a different perspective. In his 57 years of coaching, he has never seen the level of change NIL is generating. He expressed concern that the focus has shifted from education to financial gain. Curtis warned that agents are sometimes taking 20% to 25% of a high school player's contract, compared to the 3% to 5% typical in professional sports.
As of November 2026, about three dozen states allow high school athletes to make NIL deals. Other states strictly prohibit such compensation. This patchwork of laws has led some families to move states to capitalize on their athletes' skills. The new Louisiana laws now join the ranks of state-level protections as the national conversation continues.
Royal said he loves the game of football and the hard work required to play it. He practices in the summer heat at Tad Gormley Stadium, a routine that demands a deep passion for the sport. While money is a factor, he emphasized that his love for the game remains the primary driver of his daily efforts.
