Maryland NIL governed by Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act (SB 439)—unique hybrid: Commercial liberty + physical safety (brain injuries, heat illness, rhabdomyolysis). Born from 2018 tragedy. Phased implementation: Safety July 1, 2021; NIL July 1, 2023. USM Board of Regents oversight ($5M deficit threshold). UMD “One Maryland Collective” (Big Ten). Morgan State opted into House settlement. Naval Academy = federal exception (NIL prohibited). MPSSAA permits high school NIL but PROHIBITS COLLECTIVES. Tax burden: ~9% (5.75% state + 3.2% local). Here’s the complete guide.
Maryland’s NIL Evolution
Maryland = unique “Safe and Fair Play” model. Not born from market pressures alone—forged in tragedy (Jordan McNair’s death). Commercial liberty statutorily intertwined with physical safety.
Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act (SB 439):
- Genesis: May 2018—Jordan McNair (UMD offensive lineman) collapsed from heatstroke
- His death sparked national reckoning on duty of care to unpaid athletes
- Hybrid legal instrument: Economic emancipation + physical preservation
- Mandates: Health/safety guidelines for brain injuries, heat illness, rhabdomyolysis
- “Safe” provisions: July 1, 2021 (immediate)
- “Fair Play” NIL provisions: July 1, 2023 (delayed for preparation)
- Annual reporting to General Assembly required (October 1)
- Failure in health protocol = legally equivalent to NIL compliance failure
USM Board of Regents Oversight:
- University System of Maryland (USM) = central oversight body
- Policy: Athletic programs expected to be self-supporting
- $5M deficit threshold: President must seek Board approval
- “Cannibalization” concern: Donor $ to collectives vs. operating fund
- Annual review: Financial condition of intercollegiate athletics
- Policy amendments underway: BOR V-2.10 for House settlement
Tax Burden — ~9% Effective Rate:
- State income tax: 5.75% top marginal rate
- Local “piggyback” tax: Up to 3.2% (counties + Baltimore City)
- Effective rate: ~9% (among highest for NIL)
- $100K NIL deal: MD ~$9,000 tax vs. PA ~$3,070 vs. FL/TX $0
- “Jock Tax”: MD actively levies on non-resident athletes
- Fiscal reality = “silent penalty” on MD recruitment vs. Penn State, Florida
University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) — “One Maryland”:
- Flagship land-grant university, Big Ten Conference
- “One Maryland Collective” = centralized, aligned with athletic department
- “One Maryland Vision”: NIL as holistic development (not transactional)
- Capital projects: Flex Research & Development, fieldhouse renovations
- “Premium product” strategy: World-class facilities + compliant collective
Morgan State University — HBCU Innovator:
- Board of Regents OPTED INTO House v. NCAA settlement
- Declaration of intent to participate in future revenue-sharing economy
- “Morgan State NIL Exchange” + Teamworks Influencer platform
- Digital marketplace: Local businesses + national brands → athletes
- “Morgan Made Hidden Figures” narrative branding campaign
- Democratizes NIL access for non-revenue sports
Coppin State University — Volume Play:
- “Athlete’s Thread” partnership = custom apparel for ALL athletes
- “Volume play”: Aggregate small revenue streams across entire population
- Compliance-first leadership (MEAC background)
- Risk-averse strategy prioritizing regulatory safety
Naval Academy — Federal Exception:
- Located in Annapolis BUT federal entity (DoD jurisdiction)
- Jordan McNair Act does NOT apply to Midshipmen
- Midshipmen = active-duty military personnel (“Cadet-Athlete” paradigm)
- Ethics regulations: Prohibition on public office for private gain
- NIL PROHIBITED: Cannot sign endorsement deals or social media promotions
- “Pro-Sports Waiver”: Mitigation = defer active duty for NFL draft
- “Back-End” benefit vs. “Front-End” NIL = post-college earnings potential
Why Maryland Matters:
Maryland = unique “Safe and Fair Play” model (Jordan McNair Act). Hybrid statute: Commercial liberty + physical safety. USM Board of Regents oversight ($5M deficit threshold). “One Maryland Collective” at UMD (Big Ten). Morgan State opted into House settlement (HBCU leader). Naval Academy = federal exception (NIL prohibited). MPSSAA permits HS NIL but PROHIBITS COLLECTIVES. ~9% tax burden (5.75% state + 3.2% local) = competitive disadvantage.
Maryland College NIL Rules
Governed by Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act (SB 439). Dual mandate: NIL rights + health/safety protocols. USM Board of Regents provides oversight.
What Maryland Offers:
- Statutory NIL rights (Jordan McNair Act)
- Health/safety protections (brain injuries, heat illness, rhabdomyolysis)
- DC-Maryland-Virginia regional market proximity
- Note: ~9% effective tax rate (competitive disadvantage)
UMD Infrastructure (“One Maryland”):
- “One Maryland Collective” = centralized, department-aligned
- “One Maryland Vision” holistic development framework
- Capital projects (Flex R&D, fieldhouse renovations)
HBCU Infrastructure:
- Morgan State: “NIL Exchange” + Teamworks Influencer (House opt-in)
- Coppin State: “Athlete’s Thread” volume merchandising
Maryland High School NIL Rules
MPSSAA (Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association) permits NIL with strict guardrails. CRITICAL: Maryland PROHIBITS high school NIL collectives.
Key Facts:
- Governing Body: MPSSAA
- Status: Permitted with strict boundaries
- CRITICAL: NIL COLLECTIVES PROHIBITED
MPSSAA Permissible Activities:
Permitted: Commercial endorsements, social media monetization, autographs (NO school affiliation). Vice Industry Bans: Alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment. IP Firewall: Total ban on school intellectual property (uniforms, mascots, school name).
MPSSAA Collective Prohibition:
EXPLICIT BAN on NIL collectives at high school level. Definition: Groups of alumni/boosters formed to provide NIL to specific school’s athletes. Rationale: Preserve competitive equity—prevent wealthy districts from “buying” talent. Enforcement: Non-member schools (private) must sign “Standards of Competition.” If private school allows collectives → ineligible to compete against public schools. Creates powerful incentive for entire state ecosystem to adhere.
College vs. High School: Key Differences
| NIL Status | College (McNair Act) | High School (MPSSAA) |
|---|---|---|
| State Statute | Legal (statutory, July 2023) | Permitted (with guardrails) |
| Safety Mandate | Jordan McNair Act (SB 439) | MPSSAA Guidance |
| School Logos/Uniforms | YES (statutory) | N/A |
| State/Local Tax | Allowed | Prohibited (IP Firewall) |
| Vice Industries | ~9% (5.75% + 3.2%) | ~9% |
| Collectives | Per McNair Act | Prohibited |
| Naval Academy | Permitted ("One Maryland") | PROHIBITED |
| Federal exception (NIL banned) | N/A |
The Key Distinction: Maryland = unique “Safe and Fair Play” model. Jordan McNair Act: Commercial liberty + physical safety. USM Board of Regents oversight ($5M deficit threshold). “One Maryland Collective” at UMD. Morgan State opted into House settlement. Naval Academy = federal exception (NIL prohibited). MPSSAA permits HS NIL but PROHIBITS COLLECTIVES. ~9% tax burden = competitive disadvantage vs. PA/FL/TX.
What Maryland Athletes Can Do
College Athletes (UMD/Morgan State/Coppin State):
Earn NIL compensation (Jordan McNair Act); Work with collectives (“One Maryland,” Morgan State NIL Exchange); Receive revenue sharing (if institution opted in); Sign endorsement deals with brands; Monetize social media accounts; Earn from camps, clinics, and appearances; Receive fan support through platforms like RallyFuel.
College Athletes (Naval Academy):
NIL PROHIBITED (federal exception). Cannot sign endorsements or social media promotions. Receive military stipend only. “Pro-Sports Waiver” = defer active duty for NFL/pro career.
High School Athletes:
Sign commercial endorsements (NO school affiliation); Social media monetization; Autographs and appearances; Build personal brand for college recruitment.
What Maryland Athletes Cannot Do
College Athletes:
Cannot endorse: gambling, tobacco, adult entertainment, controlled substances (McNair Act); International students (F-1 visa): Cannot engage in active NIL on U.S. soil; Naval Academy Midshipmen: NIL PROHIBITED (federal ethics regulations).
High School Athletes:
Cannot use school uniform, logo, mascot, or name (IP Firewall); Cannot participate in or benefit from NIL COLLECTIVES; Cannot endorse: alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment.
Both:
Must pay Maryland state income tax (~5.75%) + local tax (up to 3.2%) + federal; Must maintain academic eligibility.
Compliance Requirements
For College Athletes:
UMD: Work with “One Maryland Collective”; Follow “One Maryland Vision” holistic framework; Understand safety mandates (rhabdomyolysis, heat illness). Morgan State: Use “Morgan State NIL Exchange” / Teamworks Influencer; Understand House settlement opt-in implications. Coppin State: Participate in “Athlete’s Thread” merchandising. Naval Academy: NIL PROHIBITED—do not seek endorsements.
For High School Athletes:
NEVER use school uniform, logo, mascot, or name; NEVER participate in collectives (MPSSAA prohibition); NEVER endorse vice industry products; Build personal brand DISTINCT from school identity.
For Parents:
For college: Jordan McNair Act = statutory rights + safety protections; USM Board of Regents oversight ($5M deficit threshold); ~9% effective tax rate = competitive disadvantage vs. PA/FL/TX; Naval Academy = NIL prohibited (federal exception). For high school: MPSSAA permits NIL but PROHIBITS COLLECTIVES; IP Firewall (no school uniforms/logos); Vice prohibitions apply; Collective ban preserves competitive equity.
How Fans Support Maryland Athletes
Maryland has passionate Terrapin, Bear, and Eagle fans—and now they can directly support athletes through NIL.
College Athletes:
Platforms like RallyFuel enable Maryland fans to support athletes at:
- University of Maryland, College Park – Big Ten (Power Four)
- Morgan State University – MEAC (HBCU)
- Coppin State University – MEAC (HBCU)
- Note: Naval Academy NIL is prohibited (federal exception)
Maryland NIL Infrastructure:
UMD “One Maryland Collective”: Centralized, department-aligned. “One Maryland Vision” holistic framework. Capital projects + compliant collective. Morgan State “NIL Exchange”: Teamworks Influencer platform. Digital marketplace model. House settlement opt-in. “Morgan Made Hidden Figures” branding. Coppin State “Athlete’s Thread”: Custom apparel for all athletes. Volume merchandising. Compliance-first leadership.
How It Works:
1. Create an account on RallyFuel.com or the mobile app
2. Select your Maryland 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. Maryland 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:
Maryland high school athletes may pursue NIL opportunities under MPSSAA rules provided they have NO affiliation with their school and do NOT participate in collectives (which are explicitly prohibited).
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
Can Maryland high school athletes do NIL?
Yes, with strict limits. MPSSAA permits: Commercial endorsements, social media monetization, autographs (NO school affiliation). CRITICAL: NIL COLLECTIVES ARE PROHIBITED at high school level. Rationale: Preserve competitive equity—prevent wealthy districts from “buying” talent. Enforcement: Private schools allowing collectives become ineligible to compete against public schools. IP Firewall: Cannot use school uniform, logo, mascot, or name.
What is the Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act?
Unique hybrid statute born from tragedy. May 2018: Jordan McNair (UMD offensive lineman) died from heatstroke during team workout. Dual mandate: (1) Commercial liberty—NIL rights; (2) Physical safety—brain injuries, heat illness, rhabdomyolysis protocols. Phased implementation: “Safe” provisions July 1, 2021; “Fair Play” NIL provisions July 1, 2023. Annual reporting to General Assembly required. Failure in health protocol = legally equivalent to NIL compliance failure.
Why can’t Naval Academy athletes do NIL?
Federal exception. Naval Academy is federal entity (DoD jurisdiction). Jordan McNair Act does NOT apply. Midshipmen = active-duty military personnel (“Cadet-Athlete” paradigm). Ethics regulations prohibit public office for private gain. NIL endorsements = capitalizing on prestige of uniform/academy. Mitigation: “Pro-Sports Waiver” allows deferring active duty for NFL draft. “Back-End” benefit (post-college earnings) vs. “Front-End” NIL (during college).
What is Maryland’s tax disadvantage?
Maryland imposes: State income tax 5.75% (top marginal) + local “piggyback” tax up to 3.2% (counties + Baltimore City) = ~9% effective rate. Comparison: $100K NIL deal: MD ~$9,000 tax vs. PA ~$3,070 vs. FL/TX $0. Maryland also active in “Jock Tax” (levies on non-resident athletes). “Silent penalty” on MD recruitment vs. Penn State, Florida schools. Same scholarship offer = worth less at UMD due to tax leakage.
What is Morgan State’s House settlement opt-in?
Morgan State Board of Regents voted to opt into House v. NCAA settlement. Declaration of intent to participate in future revenue-sharing economy. Secures protections against future litigation. Establishes legal framework to share revenue with athletes. Signals to recruits: MSU committed to their financial participation. “Morgan State NIL Exchange” (Teamworks Influencer) = digital marketplace model. “Morgan Made Hidden Figures” = narrative branding tying athletes to alumni legacy.
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.
Maryland: Safe and Fair Play in the NIL Era
Maryland NIL governed by Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act (SB 439)—unique hybrid statute born from 2018 tragedy. Dual mandate: Commercial liberty + physical safety (brain injuries, heat illness, rhabdomyolysis). Phased implementation: “Safe” provisions July 1, 2021; “Fair Play” NIL provisions July 1, 2023. USM Board of Regents oversight ($5M deficit threshold). UMD “One Maryland Collective” (Big Ten, centralized, department-aligned). Morgan State opted into House settlement (“NIL Exchange” + Teamworks Influencer). Coppin State “Athlete’s Thread” volume merchandising. Naval Academy = federal exception (NIL PROHIBITED for Midshipmen; “Pro-Sports Waiver” mitigation). MPSSAA permits high school NIL but PROHIBITS COLLECTIVES (preserve competitive equity). Tax burden: ~9% effective (5.75% state + 3.2% local) = competitive disadvantage vs. PA/FL/TX.
For college athletes ready to maximize their NIL potential, RallyFuel provides fan-powered support with conditional protection. Explore verified Maryland athletes and start fueling today.
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