Dearborn high school athletes and their families can attend a free information session about name, image and likeness deals at Divine Child High School on Monday, Oct. 26.
Divine Child athletics announced on X that representatives from Troy-based Fishman Stewart PLLC will answer questions about NIL in the high school auditorium. The event is open to the public at no cost.
The session comes about nine months after the Michigan High School Athletic Association expanded the personal branding opportunities available to student-athletes. The MHSAA announced the expansion Jan. 27. It previously allowed some activities, including camps, clinics and private lessons.
The MHSAA calls its framework "personal branding activities," or PBA. Under the rules, student-athletes can earn money through social media endorsements, personal appearances, autograph signings, modeling, advertising and merchandise sales.
The rules come with restrictions. Opportunities must comply with the association’s individual-athlete requirements; school-associated collectives and pay-for-play are prohibited. The full policy also lists group licensing as a permitted activity.
Student-athletes cannot use school names, logos, mascots or uniforms in any branding activity. School facilities and property are also off-limits, and activities cannot occur during school attendance or MHSAA events, including practices.
Schools, coaches and staff are barred from arranging or promoting deals on a student's behalf. Such involvement could cost a school its MHSAA membership and make the athlete ineligible.
Athletes must also disclose any verbal or written opportunity or contract to their school and the MHSAA within seven days by submitting the association's PBA Disclosure Form, according to its NIL guidance page. Deals tied to gambling, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or banned substances are prohibited.
Fishman Stewart's sports law practice is led by Deb Schneider, a former professional auto racing executive who also teaches sports law.
Writing about college NIL deals in an August 2026 firm publication, Schneider warned that young athletes and their parents rarely have experience with the legal contracts behind sponsorship agreements.
“When presented with an NIL contract, it should be read multiple times, including by legal counsel,” she said.
Families should also weigh how PBA income could affect eligibility with the NCAA, NJCAA or NAIA, and account for tax obligations, according to MHSAA's guidance. Individual schools may set stricter rules than the MHSAA minimum.
The announcement does not list a start time. Divine Child High School is at 1001 N. Silvery Lane in Dearborn. Contact the school at 313-562-1990 for event details.
