As a former college and professional athlete turned lawmaker, I’ve seen firsthand how the game changes – not just on the field, but in the halls of power. Today, we’re in a pivotal moment for college and high school athletics in Alabama. Name, image and likeness (NIL) rights have reshaped the landscape of amateur sports, yet Alabama continues to lag behind – especially at the high school level.
We are one of just a handful of states where high school athletes are still barred from receiving NIL compensation. That means while their peers in Georgia, Florida, and 38 other states are building their brands and financial futures, Alabama’s student-athletes are forced to choose between staying home or chasing opportunity elsewhere. As a result, we’re losing talent. We’re falling behind. And we’re failing the very kids we claim to support.
The shift toward NIL didn’t happen by chance – it was driven by court rulings and antitrust law. In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the NCAA’s restrictions on athlete compensation violated federal antitrust laws. That decision helped tear down the outdated amateurism model and open the door to a fairer, more modern system. But while the NCAA and major conferences are moving toward revenue-sharing with college athletes, Alabama is still debating whether high school athletes can accept a local endorsement deal.
That’s why I introduced legislation to allow NIL compensation for high school athletes in Alabama. My bill includes common-sense guardrails: no recruiting incentives, no pay-for-play, no use of school logos. It also includes financial literacy education so that students and families are equipped to manage new opportunities. If we don’t act, we’re telling our athletes that their dreams are more valid in another zip code.
And we can’t have this conversation without acknowledging the influence of legendary figures like Coach Nick Saban. I have the utmost respect for Saban. I still remember the summer of 2002, going into my junior year, when I met him at LSU’s football camp. His passion for the game and attention to detail left a lasting impression on me as a young athlete. His voice in this debate matters, and his concerns about structure and fairness in the NIL era are legitimate.
But it’s also fair to say that Coach Saban profited more than almost anyone under the old system – a system that prohibited players from making a dime while he became the highest-paid coach in the country. Now that athletes have finally gained some leverage, we must be cautious not to let the same gatekeepers define the new rules in ways that limit player empowerment.
Instead of patchwork policies and fear-based restrictions, we need a performance-based compensation model that protects both athletes and institutions. That means contracts with clear expectations. That means transparency. That means stability. And the only way to get there is with a collective bargaining agreement – just like we have in professional sports. It’s time we start treating college athletics for what it is: a multi-billion-dollar industry built on the backs of young talent. They deserve a seat at the table.
This isn’t about turning high schoolers into professionals. It’s about fairness. It’s about opportunity. And it’s about making sure Alabama doesn’t get left behind in a national shift that’s already well underway.
If we love sports in this state – and we do – we should love and invest in the athletes who make them great. NIL is here to stay. Let’s make it work for everyone.
Jeremy Gray represents District 83 in the Alabama House of Representatives.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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