Louisiana stands at the vanguard of NIL deregulation. Through aggressive legislation and executive action, the state has positioned itself as a “sovereign” actor in athletic commerce, stripping NCAA enforcement power and enabling direct revenue sharing. With SEC powerhouse LSU and programs like Tulane operating in this permissive environment, Louisiana’s collegiate NIL market is among the most advanced in the nation. However, high school athletes remain under strict LHSAA amateurism rules. Here’s the complete guide to Louisiana NIL laws.
Louisiana’s NIL Evolution
Louisiana’s NIL landscape is defined by strategic legislative deregulation at the college level and strict LHSAA amateurism enforcement at the high school level.
Legislative Timeline:
- SB 60 (July 2021): Initial NIL law with guardrails—established right of publicity but prohibited institutional involvement
- SB 250 (June 2022): Strategic pivot—removed prohibition on school/booster facilitation of NIL deals
- SB 465 (May 2024): Institutional shield—”trigger provision” automatically permits revenue sharing; contract confidentiality protected
- Executive Order JML 25-059 (May 2025): Governor Landry prohibits NCAA from penalizing Louisiana schools for NIL; bars state funds for athlete pay
House v. NCAA Settlement (2025):
- Direct revenue sharing authorized (~$20.5 million annual cap)
- Schools can share ~22% of average Power 5 revenue with athletes
- Effective July 1, 2025
High School Status — Restricted:
- LHSAA Bylaw 1.25 governs high school NIL
- NIL permitted only in individual capacity—no school affiliation allowed
- Strict “undue influence” and recruiting inducement enforcement
- State NIL laws (SB 60, 250, 465) explicitly do not apply to high school level
Why Louisiana Matters:
LSU is an SEC powerhouse with a massive athletic budget. Through Executive Order JML 25-059, Louisiana has effectively stripped NCAA enforcement power within its borders, creating a “sovereign” NIL environment. The state serves as a laboratory for the future of college athletics—testing revenue sharing, collective integration, and international athlete rights (Last-Tear Poa v. USCIS).
Louisiana College NIL Rules
Louisiana college athletes operate in one of the most permissive NIL environments in the country, with state law and executive order providing explicit protection from NCAA enforcement.
What the Framework Guarantees:
- Universities can directly compensate athletes for NIL (revenue sharing)
- Revenue sharing aligned with House v. NCAA settlement (~$20.5M cap)
- Schools can facilitate NIL deals (SB 250)—coordinate with collectives, identify partners, make introductions
- Athletes can earn unlimited third-party NIL compensation above the cap
- Athletes can hire agents and legal representation
- NIL contract confidentiality protected from public records requests (SB 465)
- NCAA cannot penalize Louisiana schools for NIL activities (EO JML 25-059)
Executive Order JML 25-059 (May 2025):
- Signed by: Governor Jeff Landry
- Prohibits NCAA, SEC, or other bodies from penalizing Louisiana schools for NIL
- Strictly prohibits use of state-allocated (taxpayer) funds for athlete compensation
- Remains in effect until federal NIL legislation or House settlement finalization
LSU Revenue Sharing Allocation (“75% Doctrine”):
- Football: ~75% of pool (~$15.4 million)
- Men’s Basketball: ~15% (~$3 million)
- Women’s Basketball: ~5% (~$1 million)
- All Other Sports: ~5% (~$1 million combined)
Note: This allocation creates potential Title IX exposure regarding proportionality of benefits.
Institutional Vice Clause Restrictions:
Athletes are prohibited from NIL deals involving:
- Gambling and sports betting
- Alcohol and tobacco (including marijuana, e-cigarettes, vaping)
- Performance enhancing supplements (NCAA banned substances)
- Adult entertainment
School Logo and Intellectual Property:
- Athletes cannot use university trademarks (LSU Tiger Eye, “Geaux Tigers,” Tulane Green Wave) without permission
- Usage permitted with prior written permission and/or licensing fee
- Cannot wear game jersey in NIL content unless brand partner has sponsorship agreement with university
Major Collectives and Infrastructure:
- LSU: Bayou Traditions (primary collective); NILSU (compliance office); Tiger Athletic Foundation
- Tulane: Fear the Wave → Green Wave Club (consolidated into athletic department)
- UL Lafayette: Cajuns Edge (internal fund); Ragin’ Cajuns Exchange (INFLCR-powered marketplace); Krewe Allons
International Student Restrictions (F-1 Visa):
- F-1 visas prohibit off-campus employment including most NIL activities
- Passive income permitted: licensing, jersey sales, video game royalties
- Active NIL work permitted in home country during breaks
- Last-Tear Poa v. USCIS (September 2025): Landmark case testing P-1A visa pathway for international athletes—court denied government’s motion to dismiss
- If successful, would allow international athletes to switch from F-1 to P-1A and earn NIL legally in the U.S.
Louisiana High School NIL Rules
Louisiana high school athletes may monetize their NIL, but only within strict amateurism constraints enforced by the LHSAA. State NIL laws (SB 60, 250, 465) explicitly do not apply to high school athletics.
Key Facts:
- Governing Body: Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA)
- Status: Permitted with strict restrictions
- Framework: Bylaw 1.25 (Amateurism)
LHSAA Bylaw 1.25 Requirements:
Student-athletes may monetize their NIL only if:
- Individual Capacity: Activity is performed entirely in the student’s individual capacity
- No Affiliation: No use of school uniforms, logos, or facilities in any NIL activity
- Temporal Separation: No NIL activity on school grounds or during school events
- No Recruiting Inducement: NIL deal cannot be linked to enrollment at a specific school
Enforcement Example — University Lab (U-High) 2024:
The perennial Baton Rouge powerhouse was forced to forfeit seven victories, causing their record to drop from undefeated #1 ranking to 0-9. The investigation centered on use of ineligible players—a violation often linked to recruiting irregularities or illicit benefits. This demonstrates LHSAA’s strict liability enforcement: schools are held accountable for athlete eligibility regardless of who facilitated the violation.
College vs. High School: Key Differences
| Feature | College (SB 465 / EO JML 25-059) | High School (LHSAA) |
|---|---|---|
| NIL Status | Fully Legal + Protected | Permitted (restricted) |
| Institutional Pay | Allowed ($20.5M cap) | Prohibited |
| Third-Party NIL Deals | Unlimited | Allowed (individual only) |
| School Facilitation | Allowed (SB 250) | Prohibited |
| School Logos/Uniforms | With permission/license | Prohibited |
| Collectives | Integrated | Not applicable |
| NCAA Enforcement | Blocked by EO | N/A (LHSAA governs) |
| Pay-for-Play | Nominally prohibited | Prohibited |
The Key Distinction: Louisiana college athletes operate in a “sovereign” environment where state law and executive order block NCAA enforcement. High school athletes can do NIL deals, but only in their individual capacity with strict separation from school identity. The LHSAA enforces violations with severe penalties including forfeitures.
What Louisiana Athletes Can Do
College Athletes:
Receive direct revenue sharing from institution; Sign endorsement deals with brands; Monetize social media accounts; Earn from camps, clinics, and training; Sell autographs and merchandise; Make paid personal appearances; Hire agents and attorneys for NIL contracts; Participate in collective-organized NIL programs; Participate in group licensing deals; Receive in-kind compensation; Receive fan support through platforms like RallyFuel; Use school logos with permission and licensing fee.
High School Athletes:
Monetize personal brand in individual capacity; Sign endorsement deals (no school affiliation); Monetize social media (no school references); Earn from camps and appearances (off school grounds); Prepare for college NIL opportunities.
What Louisiana Athletes Cannot Do
College Athletes:
Cannot accept pay-for-play (nominally—distinction increasingly semantic); Cannot hide NIL contracts from school compliance (disclosure required); Cannot sign deals conflicting with school sponsorships; Cannot sign deals with vice industries (gambling, alcohol, tobacco, adult entertainment, PEDs); Cannot use school trademarks without permission/licensing; International students (F-1 visa): Cannot engage in most active NIL on U.S. soil.
High School Athletes:
Cannot use school uniforms, logos, or facilities for NIL; Cannot conduct NIL on school grounds or during school events; Cannot accept NIL linked to enrollment at specific school (recruiting inducement); Cannot reference team or school affiliation in NIL content; Violations can result in ineligibility and team forfeitures.
Both:
Must pay taxes on NIL income (Louisiana has state income tax); Must maintain academic eligibility; Cannot accept recruiting inducements.
Compliance Requirements
For College Athletes:
Disclose all NIL contracts to school compliance office (NILSU at LSU); Report deals $600+ through clearinghouse (NIL Go/Deloitte) for fair market value verification; Check for conflicts with existing school/conference sponsorships; Verify deals do not involve prohibited “vice” categories; Obtain permission for any use of school intellectual property; File taxes on all NIL income (expect 1099 for $600+); International students: Consult with university on F-1 visa restrictions; Agents must be registered with State of Louisiana and school compliance office.
For High School Athletes:
Conduct all NIL in individual capacity only; Never use school uniforms, logos, or facilities; Never conduct NIL on school grounds or during school events; Ensure no NIL deal is linked to school enrollment; Keep strict separation between athletic and commercial identity; Schools are strictly liable for athlete eligibility—violations can cause team forfeitures.
For Parents:
For college: Review all contracts before your athlete signs; Understand tax obligations (Louisiana state income tax + federal + self-employment); Set aside money for taxes (30-40% of gross earnings recommended); For high school: Ensure strict compliance with LHSAA Bylaw 1.25; Understand that an NIL deal facilitated by a parent or booster that violates rules can result in ineligibility AND team forfeitures; Consider consulting an attorney for significant deals.
How Fans Support Louisiana Athletes
Louisiana has among the most passionate college sports fans in the country—from Tiger Stadium’s “Death Valley” to the Superdome—and now they can directly support athletes through NIL.
College Athletes:
Platforms like RallyFuel enable Louisiana fans to support athletes at:
- LSU – SEC
- Tulane – AAC
- UL Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, UL Monroe, Louisiana-Monroe – Sun Belt / C-USA
- Southern, Grambling State – SWAC
- All sports, not just football and basketball
How It Works:
1. Create an account on RallyFuel.com or the mobile app
2. Select your Louisiana school affiliation
3. Browse verified athletes currently on your program’s roster
4. Fuel athletes you want to support
5. Track your support through your fan dashboard
How It Works: When you purchase Fan Fuel, you’re purchasing Conditional NIL Engagement Rights (CNERs). If conditions are met, RallyFuel or its affiliate offers an NIL Agreement to the athlete. If conditions aren’t met—for example, if an athlete transfers—you receive an automatic refund.
Conditional Protection: RallyFuel’s conditional model protects Fan Fuel with automatic refunds if athletes transfer or conditions aren’t met. Louisiana fans can support players without financial risk.
Important: Fan support through RallyFuel is voluntary and conditional. Fuel purchases are not charitable donations. RallyFuel is not a guarantor that any athlete will accept an NIL Agreement. Purchasing Fan Fuel does not guarantee athletic performance, playing time, or any specific outcome.
High School Athletes:
Louisiana high school athletes may pursue NIL opportunities in their individual capacity, but must maintain strict separation from school identity under LHSAA Bylaw 1.25. Platforms like RallyFuel that offer “conditional” or “pre-commitment” models for recruits create grey areas under LHSAA rules regarding undue influence—consult with compliance before participating.
Learn More About the NIL Landscape
Name, Image, and Likeness plays an increasing role in college sports, and understanding how it works often requires more than individual articles or news updates.
RallyFuel is a platform focused on NIL-related topics across college athletics. It brings together information about athletes, NIL activity, and the broader structure behind modern college sports, helping readers explore the topic in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Louisiana legalize NIL?
Louisiana passed SB 60 (July 2021), then SB 250 (June 2022) to allow school facilitation, then SB 465 (May 2024) to enable revenue sharing. Executive Order JML 25-059 (May 2025) prohibits NCAA from penalizing Louisiana schools for NIL activities.
Can Louisiana high school athletes do NIL?
Yes, but only in their individual capacity with no school affiliation. LHSAA Bylaw 1.25 permits NIL but prohibits use of school uniforms, logos, or facilities. NIL cannot occur on school grounds or during school events. NIL linked to school enrollment is a recruiting inducement violation.
Do Louisiana athletes pay taxes on NIL income?
Yes. All NIL income is taxable. Louisiana has a state income tax. Athletes also owe federal income tax and self-employment taxes (Social Security/Medicare). Combined, taxes can consume 30-40% of gross earnings.
What are Louisiana’s major collectives?
LSU: Bayou Traditions (primary collective); NILSU (compliance); Tiger Athletic Foundation. Tulane: Green Wave Club (consolidated from Fear the Wave). UL Lafayette: Cajuns Edge; Ragin’ Cajuns Exchange (INFLCR marketplace); Krewe Allons.
What is Louisiana’s revenue sharing model?
Under the House v. NCAA settlement (July 2025), Louisiana schools can share ~22% of average Power 5 revenue with athletes, approximately $20.5 million annually. LSU allocates roughly 75% to football (~$15.4M), 15% to men’s basketball, 5% to women’s basketball, and 5% to all other sports combined. No state-allocated (taxpayer) funds can be used—must come from athletic department revenue.
What is Executive Order JML 25-059?
Signed by Governor Jeff Landry in May 2025, this order prohibits the NCAA, SEC, or any other body from penalizing Louisiana schools for facilitating or compensating athletes for NIL. It creates a “sovereign” environment where state law overrides NCAA enforcement. It also prohibits using state taxpayer funds for athlete compensation.
What happens if an athlete I supported transfers?
If an athlete transfers or selects a different school during the conditional period, you receive an automatic refund to your original payment method. No manual request is required.
Louisiana: The Vanguard of NIL Deregulation
Through strategic legislation and executive action, Louisiana has positioned itself at the forefront of the NIL revolution. With state sovereignty blocking NCAA enforcement, integrated collectives, aggressive revenue sharing, and landmark litigation testing international athlete rights, Louisiana serves as the primary laboratory for the future of American college athletics. From Death Valley to the Superdome, Louisiana athletes have opportunities that continue to expand—while high school athletes must navigate strict LHSAA amateurism rules.
For college athletes ready to maximize their NIL potential, RallyFuel provides fan-powered support with conditional protection. Explore verified Louisiana athletes and start fueling today.
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