High School

LeBron James weighs in on high school NIL deals

LeBron James gives his take on what he would have done if he were around during high school NIL deals

Tyler Rourke

St. Vincent-St. Mary LeBron James is introduced before his team faced Buchtel High School last year (2001) at Rhodes Arena at the University of Akron Campus in Akron OH.
St. Vincent-St. Mary LeBron James is introduced before his team faced Buchtel High School last year (2001) at Rhodes Arena at the University of Akron Campus in Akron OH. / Phil Masturzo / USA TODAY NETWORK

The new implementation of NIL deals for high school athletes has impacted the new generation of sports both at the high school and collegiate levels.

The long topic of whether high school and college athletes are getting incentivised has finally become a reality in some states. Places like California, New York, and Texas permit NIL deals for high schoolers, while states like Georgia and Illinois restrict them.

People have mixed opinions on whether or not athletes at the non-professional level should be able to profit from their legacy and what they bring to their team. Whatever side you fall on, these athletes are being rewarded with money among other things because of their impact to the team and schools.

People like AJ Dybantsa, who signed a deal with Red Bull, or Kiyan Anthony, who signed one with athletic underwear company PSD when he was just 16 years old.

The possibilities are endless now for these athletes, providing them reward for their hard work.

As it continues to become a topic for discussion, it has reached the point where someone like LeBron James has decided to weigh in, considering he was one of the biggest high school phenoms ever.

"If NIL was around when I was in high school, I would have loaded up," James said on the Pat McAfee show.

James, being one of the biggest names in not only basketball history, but sports history, clearly believes these athletes should gain something for the media attention they bring to the brands the athletes are connected with.

He recognizes the evolution of media and non-professional sports, and gives his take on what he would have done if it were around when he was playing at St. Vincent-St. Mary's.

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Tyler Rourke
TYLER ROURKE

Tyler is a Digital Media and Journalism student at Endicott College, expected to graduate with his Bachelor's degree in 2026. He has experience covering a variety of sports for multiple newspapers. including The Salem Times and Gloucester Daily Times. He began contributing to High School On SI in 2025.

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