Fond du Lac Athletics Navigates the New World of High School NIL

In a landmark decision, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has voted to allow high school athletes across the state to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), joining over 40 other states in embracing this transformative shift in amateur athletics.

The vote, passed by a margin of 293-108, marks a significant change in how student-athletes can engage with the business side of sports. Under the new policy, athletes can now enter into NIL agreements—such as endorsements, social media promotions, and personal branding opportunities—so long as they adhere to specific guidelines 1.

Key restrictions include:

• NIL deals must not be associated with a student’s school, team, conference, or the WIAA.
• Athletes cannot wear school uniforms or use school logos in promotional content.
• NIL activities must not interfere with academics or team responsibilities.
• Students are prohibited from hiring agents, and schools cannot facilitate deals on their behalf.

“This is a historic and exciting moment for high school sports in Wisconsin,” said Stephanie Hauser, WIAA Executive Director. “We believe this policy balances opportunity with integrity, allowing student-athletes to benefit from their talents while preserving fairness and sportsmanship” 2.

The policy goes into effect at the end of May 2025. To support this transition, the WIAA has partnered with Milwaukee-based company Influential Athlete to educate students and families on how to navigate NIL opportunities safely and responsibly.

As NIL becomes a reality for Wisconsin’s high school athletes, the move is expected to reshape the landscape of youth sports—offering new avenues for entrepreneurship, while also raising questions about equity, oversight, and the evolving role of amateur athletics.

KFIZ Sports Director Chuck Freimund discusses the impact to the Fond du Lac Athletic Department with Athletic Director Kevin Flegner.