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COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a move that could reshape the future of high school sports in Ohio, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced a strategic partnership with Influential Athlete, the nation’s premier NIL education and consulting firm. This comes as the OHSAA’s 819 member schools prepare for an emergency vote that could usher in a new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. The urgency stems from a recent court ruling that temporarily blocks OHSAA from enforcing its current NIL policies, following a lawsuit filed by a student-athlete’s family. With the legal landscape shifting, OHSAA is moving swiftly to provide schools with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate this pivotal moment. “OHSAA is taking proactive steps to ensure our member schools have the education, clarity, and support they need during this defining moment,” Executive Director of the OHSAA Doug Ute said. “By partnering with Influential Athlete, we’re ensuring that school leaders and athletic directors are fully informed and prepared to make the best decisions for their athletes and communities.” Influential Athlete brings deep expertise and a proven track record, having recently guided the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) through a successful NIL vote after an initial setback. Their comprehensive education and support helped Wisconsin pass NIL legislation with overwhelming approval — nearly 3 to 1 — in April 2025. “Wisconsin is a perfect example of what happens when administrators are given the right tools and understanding,” said Stephanie Grady, CEO and Co-Founder of Influential Athlete. “We helped the WIAA create clarity, calm uncertainty, and prepare their schools to lead confidently in the NIL space. We’re honored to do the same now for OHSAA and its member schools during this pivotal time.” With partnerships spanning Olympic development programs, national governing bodies and more than 50 institutions nationwide, Influential Athlete is uniquely positioned to help Ohio schools implement NIL frameworks that are safe, structured and student-first. “This partnership ensures that Ohio’s schools won’t face this alone,” Grady added. “We’re here to educate, guide, and provide the structure and resources schools need to manage NIL responsibly — protecting their athletes, their programs, and the integrity of high school sports across the state.”
