News is bubbling out of Bixby, Okla., that the powerhouse Spartan athletic program isn’t just chasing another state title, they’re chasing brand money. Bixby Public Schools has officially leaned into high school NIL by partnering with Opendorse, building a marketplace where their student-athletes can monetize their name, image, and likeness.
What Oklahoma’s High School NIL Rules Actually Allow
Here’s the deal: Oklahoma’s Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) released NIL guidelines that do allow high schoolers to cash in, but under tight guardrails. Athletes can be paid, but compensation can’t be tied to how well they perform, it can’t be part of a recruitment or enrollment pitch, and the district or school itself isn’t supposed to write the checks.
Even more tellingly, they can’t use school trademarks… no Spartan logos, no Bixby mascot, no uniform tie-ins, and even school facilities are off-limits for these endorsement-type deals.
In Bixby’s case, they spent $16,500 over three years to bring Opendorse on board. That may sound like a lot, but by doing it this way, students keep 100 percent of what they earn, and the district doesn’t risk running afoul of OSSAA rules. Opendorse also helps with education… webinars, training, and a six-step compliance process so that everything stays above board.
Why Bixby Partnered With Opendorse
On the athlete side, more than 15 Bixby students have already carved out their own Opendorse profiles. Some are charging as little as $12 for things like autographs, social-media posts, appearances… playground-level stuff, but meaningful for young athletes wanting a little “gas money.”…