Committee opposes proposed state ban on NIL earnings for middle and high school athletes

The Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee voted March 2 to approve Resolution 239, which opposes House Bill 661 and any legislation that would prevent middle and high school students from earning compensation tied to their name, image or likeness.

Councilman Starr, a sponsor, told the committee the bill would bar students from endorsement and sponsorship opportunities tied to athletic participation and could force some students to choose between sport and income. "Do they wanna continue to play the sport or try to figure out how to put food on the table for themselves?" Starr said, arguing the ban would do more harm than good.

Starr described modern youth sports as year‑round and noted students increasingly use social media to secure paid deals; he urged the committee to support student athletes’ ability to pursue opportunities while remaining in school and participating in athletics. Starr said he was prepared to travel to Columbus to testify against the bill and that other council members signaled willingness to join him.

The committee approved the resolution; the transcript contains no roll‑call tally. The resolution affirms the city council’s opposition to state legislation that would limit NIL opportunities for middle and high school student athletes.