How Wisconsin Badgers in-state recruiting will be affected by WIAA adding NIL at high school level

Notre Dame Academy's Christian Collins (22) points to the sky as he crosses the goal line for a 73-yard touchdown on the final play of the third quarter against Catholic Memorial High School during the WIAA Division 3 state championship game on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. | Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

High school recruiting in Wisconsin is about to see a major shake up.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA) that oversees high school sports in the state voted Friday to allow its student athletes to pursue Name, Image and Likeness opportunities.

This approved Constitutional amendment will allow students to enter into NIL opportunities for activities not associated or identified with their school team, school, conference or the WIAA, and in accordance with other prohibited NIL activities, including language attempting to… pic.twitter.com/vOzTgeJO37

— WIAA (@wiaawi) April 25, 2025

This change will allow the top high school athletes in the state to enter into many of the same types of arrangements college players have with sponsors and local businesses.

It could completely change the landscape of how the Wisconsin Badgers have to recruit in-state athletes.

Before this, in-state players couldn't make money off of their athletic abilities, so the Badgers had more leverage when offering financial opportunties at the school.

But now, if some top Wisconsin high school athletes are already generating revenue while being recruited, that's one less new perk the Badgers can offer to entice them to enroll.

Perhaps, the top athletes that don't earn money in high school will be more motivated to come to a school like Wisconsin that can offer them NIL deals, after watching their star teammates enjoy the benefits of the system.

It's yet another new dynamic Luke Fickell and Greg Gard will have to navigate on the recruiting trail that seems to be in a constant state of fluctuation.

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