The wave that reshaped college sports is now pressing on the doors of high school athletics, and the pressure is coming from several directions at once. Cultural energy, parental awareness, athlete empowerment, and brand interest have all played a role. But if you strip away the noise, the real driver behind the next phase of NIL adoption is something much simpler: legal reality.

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States are beginning to approve name, image, and likeness rights for high school athletes because the alternative is becoming legally indefensible. The recent situation in Ohio provides a clear example of how quickly momentum shifts once litigation enters the conversation.

Earlier this month, an Ohio athlete who had been offered an NIL deal filed a lawsuit against the state high school athletic association after being denied the ability to accept it. Within days, the association reversed course. The timing was not accidental. The rule was unlikely to withstand legal scrutiny because it restricted a fundamental economic right. Once the lawsuit exposed that vulnerability, the association understood that maintaining the ban would almost certainly lead to a loss in court.

Across the country, state high school associations operate independently from legislatures. They write their own eligibility rules and they vote on their own policy changes. This structure gives them a great deal of autonomy, but it also means they hold responsibility for ensuring those rules do not violate state or federal law. NIL restrictions have increasingly crossed that line.

At its core, NIL is not a competitive issue. It is an economic one. Preventing a teenager from monetizing their own name is not meaningfully different from preventing them from earning money through music, social media, or part-time work. The athlete in Ohio did not challenge a competitive imbalance. They challenged the idea that a governing body could unilaterally block a young person from participating in the broader economy. That is why lawsuits are becoming the most powerful forcing mechanism in the high school NIL debate.

Every state association is watching the same trend unfold. Courts have been overwhelmingly clear that athletes, whether college or high school aged, have enforceable publicity rights and economic rights. Associations can try to maintain legacy guardrails, but they cannot deny fundamental liberties indefinitely. The result is a slow but inevitable policy migration toward NIL permissiveness.

This shift is not driven by a desire to commercialize youth sports. In many states, the governing bodies know full well that approving NIL does not mean every high school athlete becomes a brand partner on day one. What it does mean is that associations recognize their own legal exposure. When you add cases like Ohio to the list of earlier developments in California, Illinois, Alaska, New York, and others, the picture becomes clearer. States are not acting because they want to innovate. They are acting because the cost of standing still is too high.

There is also a secondary factor accelerating change. Brands are increasingly cautious about entering environments where the rules are unclear. When a state approves NIL, it sends a signal of stability. It does not promise a gold rush, but it does establish a legitimate framework where athletes can participate safely and brands can operate with confidence. Associations may not be financially motivated to embrace NIL (more on taxation in later issues), but they are motivated to reduce uncertainty. Approving NIL rights eliminates ambiguity and protects the ecosystem.

Critics often argue that NIL at the high school level invites chaos. The fear is that wealthy schools, ambitious collectives, or recruiting-driven communities will leverage NIL to tilt competition. But in practice, that has not been the trend. Most high school NIL deals are modest, often tied to local businesses, community supporters, or digital content. States that have adopted NIL have not seen rapid erosion of competitive balance. They have simply acknowledged that economic participation exists, and that ignoring it does more harm than good.

The more meaningful question is not whether states will approve NIL. It is what the pace of adoption will look like. Some have moved preemptively, understanding the legal and cultural momentum. Others will hold their ground until a lawsuit forces their hand. But the destination is already clear. High school associations cannot justify denying athletes rights that every other teenager in their state enjoys.

The Ohio situation did not create a new standard. It revealed the one that already existed. When an athlete challenges a rule that restricts their ability to earn income from their identity, the courts will side with the athlete. Associations can wait for that ruling, or they can write policy that respects economic freedom and protects the integrity of their governance structures.

The smart states are choosing the latter. The rest will follow. The only remaining variable is time.

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Almost 20 years after the birth of the idea, only the fourth edition of the African Youth Games are underway in Angola this month. With the 2022 edition cancelled due to scheduling issues, it took until this past summer in Algeria before the continent’s youth aged 14-17 were finally able to compete against each other again. The inaugural African School Games (ASG) were a success, and a reminder of how important these events are for young people.

The African Youth Games (December 10-20), with 14-17 year olds from across the continent are competing across 33 sports. The inclusion of two traditional board games, Kiela and Wela, are a nod to African heritage and allow for cultural learning.

“It’s a good idea to do sport development to host events to give opportunity to the youth,” Bella Bello Bitugu told DW.

“The question you ask yourself is, what happens from now? For example, this is the third one Ghana has participated in and we have the biggest contingent, 70 people are coming. So what happens after that? Where is the monitoring, where are the facilities, where are the programs at home?”

Bitugu is a senior lecturer at the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies at the University of Ghana. He has studied in Ghana and Austria, and specializes in development through sport. He is also a former a technical advisor to Ghana’s minister of youth and sport.

A case of sportswashing?

Bitugu is also curious about the motives behind a country facing ongoing criticism over its human rights record investing so heavily in sports recently. This past summer, the men’s basketballers hosted and won Afrobasket. It was the 12th time they have won the continental basketball championship. In mid-November, Lionel Messi’s Argentinadrew a huge crowd for a friendly in Luanda as part of the country’s celebration of its 50th independence anniversary. Messi scored as Argentina won 2-0. The event drew a huge, enthusiastic crowd.

“I will say this [sportswashing] is something that maybe you can also attribute to Angola,” Bitugu said.

“Finally let us give them some good news about us, let us open up the system, let us do some gimmicks, let us do some demonstration of peace, of we having everything… Principally a great idea, but we want to question why Angola, why now?”

The country has also invested in infrastructure. Mitrelli, a Swiss-based international company focused on infrastructure projects across Africa, developed the Bengo Paralympic Sports Complex in Angola’s Bengo province. This state-of-the-art facility covers more than 20 Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, and can house 250 athletes. The complex opened in time for the Youth Games, and while clearly a step in the right direction in terms of development there, Bitugu wonders whether it will be sustainable.

“Are they going to turn into the white elephants?” he asked. “Because you know sporting facilities are very, very expensive and are in themselves not profitable. You need to combine it with non-sporting activities if you don’t get a constant flow of money from government. But you cannot always rely and depend on the government for money.”

Is sport a case of mind over matter?

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Sports a universal language for youth in Africa

The sustainability of these events looms large, which feels especially relevant given this event also serving as a qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal next year. Ultimately, the main purpose of these events is to provide the young people of Africa with the opportunity to gain their first taste of international competition and take the next step in their development.

“Active Africa, winning Africa, peaceful Africa, united Africa – all of these things are things sports provide,” Bitugu explained.

“These are the strengths of sports. Unfortunately in certain instances they are abused and misused but these are potential things when you bring the young people together, they understand each other, they have a collectivity.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for peace, unity, tolerance, fairness and understanding, especially at this time in our world where we look more at our differences, at money.”

Bitugu hopes that both these Games in Angola and the ones next year in Senegal can find a way to return to a more human-focused approach.

“There is too much monetization of sports, too much commercialization and the human element is losing such that people who go into sports don’t even think of anything other than winning and money.”

The hope is that the legacy of the Youth Games in Angola, and indeed the Youth Olympics in Dakar next year, is of sustainable investment in young people. Competition matters, but regular opportunities to develop the values that sports provide matter even more.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Staff photos / Brandon Cantwell
James Bird, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, left, and Edna Edmonds, the organization’s chief operating officer, cut a ribbon commemorating the club’s grand reopening Thursday afternoon.

YOUNGSTOWN — For Andre Stewart, coming back to the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown felt like a full circle, being in a place that was like a second home for him.

“This place is where I came after school or to get away, and you didn’t know how much you needed it when you were young,” said Stewart, a resident of Youngstown’s South Side.

“Also, as you get older, some of the people, good people in the city, people who might be in trouble — it kept you out of trouble as much as it could have got you in trouble, too.

“Kids that went other ways when you see them, they might leave you alone, because ‘Oh, I remember him from the Boys and Girls Club.”

Stewart was one of many community members, alumni and public officials at its Oak Hill Avenue building Thursday afternoon, as club officials celebrated its $1.5 million renovation.

The renovations, which were made possible through community support, include a new main entrance, program rooms designed for elementary, middle and high school members and a teen center.

There also are dedicated arts and graphics and STEM programs rooms, and the gymnasium and activity center have been renovated and restored.

James Bird, the club’s executive director, said the gym’s improvements will give way to a number of new activities, such as volleyball, pickleball and aerobics.

Bird said the completed renovations are only the first phase of what officials have planned for the club.

“We’re going to begin next year to build a community park, and it’ll be part of the Boys and Girls Club, become part of the community,” Bird said. “A part of Market Street, Oak Hill and the South Side.

“I really hope that this then becomes a renaissance of affordable housing because there are so many available lots that we could have affordable housing with a wonderful youth center, wonderful park.”

Samantha Turner, the 2025 chairperson for the club’s board of directors, called the renovation an “expansion of possibilities.”

“It is a commitment to ensure that every child who walks through those doors feels seen, supported and empowered,” Turner said. “Here, our youth will discover the strength to try new things, build relationships and receive the guidance that they need to survive.

“This club has been a cornerstone of Youngstown for decades, and today we stand together stronger, more unified and more determined than ever — ready to write a new chapter.”

Chief Operating Officer Edna Edmonds emphasized some of Turner’s points, noting that every child in Youngstown has potential — just not the means to reach it sometimes.

“Too many kids grow up without access to safe spaces — healthy meals, mentors and opportunities. But at the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, kids have what they deserve,” Edmonds said. “A safe space to learn and grow; caring mentors that show up and stick around and access to tools and experiences that open new doors.

“Youngstown needs club kids, and club kids need all of you.”

State Sen. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, presented Turner and the club’s board of directors with a proclamation from the Ohio Senate, after it included money in the state’s capital budget to support the renovations.

“There’s nothing that makes me happier than when we have an opportunity to invest in our community and our children,” Cutrona said. “When we see projects like this succeed, it gives us all the more encouragement to see more dollars flow to communities like this.”

DURHAM, N.C. — There’s a youth movement at USA Basketball camp this weekend with young WNBA players Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese making their debuts with the national team.

They’ve been competing against each other in college and the WNBA over the past few years and Bueckers was happy to have them as teammates again. Many of the young players had competed together for the U.S. on American youth teams. They’ll get their first taste of the senior national team in a camp at Duke this weekend.

“It’s great competing with them for a change instead of against them and I think we really bring out the best of each other,” Bueckers said. “I think that’s what USA Basketball does. Just so many amazing athletes and women coming together for one common goal. I think that’s always brought out the best of each other. It’s really fun to be able to share the court and be on the same side for a change.”

Bueckers gave the group the nickname “Young and Turnt” — a phrase used by youth players in the past to describe their high energy and excitement playing with USA Basketball.

The trio, along with other senior national newcomers Cameron Brink, Aliyah Boston and JuJu Watkins, are the future of USA Basketball with veterans Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird retired and other longtime fixtures in the lineup nearing the end of their careers. The U.S. has won eight straight Olympic gold medals and four consecutive world championships. Olympic veterans Kahleah Copper, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum will also be at the three-day camp.

“Obviously there’s some vets and there’s the older class who have already came in and won gold medals, and they have that experience,” Bueckers said. “So as a younger group, you want to ask them questions, soak it up, be a sponge. Like, get their experience and then grow in our experience as well.”

The average age of the 17 players at the camp is just over 25. Bueckers said having so many young players who have been together brings a comfort level.

“There’s a familiarity of competing with and against each other,” she said. “We kind of know each other and it’s more comfortable that way, too. We’re all coming in and we’re having the same expectations of just wanting to go in there and compete and have fun and bring our vibes in and just be us.”

Bird, who is now the managing director for USA Basketball, said this camp will hopefully give the new players a look at international basketball at its highest level.

“Really have it be a tone setter,” said Bird, who helped the U.S. win five Olympic gold medals as a player. “What is it to wear USA on your chest? What is it to be on this team? Whether it’s a World Cup qualifier we’ll get to in March or hopefully the gold-medal game of a big competition, you have to set the tone on Day 1.”

Though many invites went out for the camp, Bird said past Olympians such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Napheesa Collier had other commitments.

“There’s a lot of moving parts, that’s always how it is for USA Basketball,” Bird said. “For the young players, it’s a great opportunity to get their first feel and first taste.”

RALPH WILSON/For the Express
Bucktail’s Gavin Pick (24) looks to pass during a PIAA District 12, Class A boys playoff game against Sullivan County at Loyalsock Township on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Bucktail won 45-30.

To say Brody Pentz will be challenging to replace is an understatement. Throughout his four-year career with the Bucks, the phenom surpassed 1,300 points and 600 rebounds, frequented the Mid-Penn and all-state all-star teams and led the program amidst its most successful stint in quite some time.

It isn’t just a matter of replacing Pentz either. Of the squad that finished last season at states and third in District 4 Class A, many of its key contributors, like Gary Whipp, Talan Ditty and Ethan Charcalla, are gone, leaving their roster as new-look as ever.

However, as one era of Bucktail boys basketball is effectively wrapped up, optimism surrounds the program heading into the next. It may take some time, as youth fills out its new-look roster. But head coach Travis Fantaskey still expects the Bucks to carve out more success this season as they develop as a team.

“We lost a key part of our team, but I’ve got a lot of young kids that click. They’re all in,” said Fantaskey on his 2025-26 group. “I’m not saying we’re going to win states this year, but I’m feeling confident another .500 season would be a good thing for us. Anything above a .500 season would be a bonus.”

Juniors Gavin Pick and Aiden Ditty return, looking to lead after playing impactful, complementary roles through 2024-25. They’re the lone Bucks that head into the campaign sporting starting experience, with the rest of Fantaskey’s starters slated to be underclassmen.

Sophomore Teagan Stone and freshman Corbin Pentz will fill two other starting slots, each which could be expected to show flashes coming off progressive football stints. And the fifth slot will likely be interchangeable throughout the season, with Fantaskey looking to rotate freshmen and sophomores into that role to see what works best.

“I want them to play together,” said Fantaskey when discussing the group. “Other than Aiden and Pick, they haven’t really ever player together, so my job this year is to get them to click as a team.”

Like last season, offensive inconsistency is expected to be a weak point for Bucktail early in the season.

Through three games so far, the offense has prospered at times and struggled as well, with strong shooting leading it past Curwensville and offensive shortcomings holding it back against Claysburg-Kimmel and St. John Neumann. That’s expected with its two leading scorers – Brody Pentz and Gary Whipp – graduating, and whether someone can step up to fill those voids or not is a development worth keeping an eye on.

On the other side, Fantaskey likes what he’s seen on defense so far.

“On defense, all of them have (stood out). I’m more of a defensive coach; I love different defenses. And they all seem to know their rotations, whether we play zone, man, both, press or halfcourt,” said Fantaskey.

“They play well together as far as defense goes. Offense, we just have to be more consistent on shooting. Give me eight games there, and we usually pull together.”

Even with its success through the last two seasons, seasons which have produced two PIAA trips and one District 4 Class A title, Bucktail continues to rep the underdog label and rep it proudly.

It’s already gone into early matchups with that mentality, facing two Class AA schools in a tournament at Curwensville to open the season. In that tournament, it went 1-1 with a convincing 56-34 win over the tourney host Golden Tide, an opening win that gave Fantaskey confidence for what’s to come.

“The challenge we always have is that we’re always the underdog, no matter where we go,” said Fantaskey. “A Class A team going into a Class AA tournament and coming out 1-1, I’ll be satisfied with that all day long.”

As one of the smaller schools in the state, it faces more challenges than most. But that hasn’t stopped it from prospering, and just because it’s without multiple stars from those runs, doesn’t mean it expects its climb to come to a complete stop.