The Debate Over High School NIL Heats Up In Alabama
House Bill 340 may end up being one of the most controversial bills proposed in the 2026 Alabama Legislative session. Submitted by Lee and Russell County Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-83), it would provide payments to high school athletes for use of name, image and likeness, similar to college athletics.
Opponents of the legislation fear such a law would turn high school sports into the quazi-pro athletics situation now creating havoc in college athletics. Of further concern is where the money may come from, Unlike college sports where millions of dollars are involved in NIL, high school athletics operate on a much small monetary scale, some programs barely making money, if at all. Local business sponsors of high school sports are typically mom and pop businesses in small towns and don't have the funds to pay prep players.
There are no billion-dollar media rights fees or billionaire boosters footing the bill to pay players on the high school level. While some head coaches are well paid and are not even required to teach a class, most get by on a teacher's salary with a moderate additional stipend.
But Gray thinks it's an idea that's time has come. Alabama is one of only 14 states that has not adopted some type of NIL legislation.
This is not Gray's first time to attempt to push through such legislation. In 2023 the Opelika lawmakers sponsored a similar house bill that did not pass. Gray believes if Alabama does not get on board the state will lose talented athletes to neighboring states like Tennessee or Georgia.
Most coaches fear it will open the door to transfer portal type poaching of athletes and transfer financial support from struggling programs to individual players.
Gray points out, a deal cannot be provided by a school as an incentive for the student to enroll or remain enrolled in that school. A student also cannot use any school logos, equipment, or uniform while promoting their deal.
Gray's bill would require financial counseling for athletes and their families.
The Mississippi legislative bill that would have allowed NIL compensation in "The Magnolia State" died in a house committee last week after numerous coaches spoke out in opposition. They join Alabama, Arkansas Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas as southern states without NIL deals.
If the bill were to pass both houses and be signed by Gov. Ivey, it would become law in the middle of the coming high school football season on October 1st.
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