High school sports in Wyoming may be headed for a landmark shift. The Wyoming High School Activities Association is now weighing whether to let student-athletes profit from their own Name, Image, and Likeness, bringing K–12 athletics closer to the collegiate model that’s swept the nation.
If adopted, only the very top performers would likely pursue modest endorsement deals, but the move could fundamentally change how young athletes, schools, and communities interact around amateur sports.
This proposal, modeled largely after Montana’s recently enacted NIL rules, would prohibit the use of school uniforms or facilities in promotions, bar pay from districts or collectives, and impose ineligibility penalties for violations. A first reading is set for the WHSAA’s upcoming board meeting, with final approval potentially coming as soon as this fall.
Our thanks to Cowboy State Daily for their thorough coverage of this story.
What’s being considered: The Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) is weighing a policy to let Wyoming high-school athletes pursue Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, bringing the K-12 landscape more in line with college sports and many other states.
Current status: At present, Wyoming high-school athletes are barred from NIL activities. Nationwide, most states now permit some form of high-school NIL, though seven have chosen to ban it outright.
Support vs. opposition: WHSAA Commissioner Trevor Wilson argues it’s “the right thing to do” for students and parents. In contrast, Campbell County School District board member and Wright High coach Larry Yeradi opposes it, citing concerns over recruiting chaos and minimal financial impact at the high-school level.
Proposed guardrails: Under the draft rules (modeled largely on Montana’s), athletes could not:
- Wear school uniforms or use school facilities/film in NIL promotions
- Receive pay from their schools or NIL collectives
- Benefit from undue influence or recruitment offers
Violations would carry ineligibility penalties
Likely impact: Early estimates suggest only the state’s top performers would opt in, and most might earn a “pizza here or there” rather than multimillion-dollar deals seen in college.
Next steps: The WHSAA board will hold a first reading of the proposal at its meeting next Tuesday; if that passes, a second reading is set for September 30. Upon final approval, the rules would take effect immediately.
Could our own Jackson Broncs benefit from this? This is a big story that is just getting started. Look for many updates over the summer as the final approval approaches in September.
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