Did you hear about this wild change for high school sports?
Alright, here's where it gets interesting—the IHSAA just approved something big for student-athletes in Indiana. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, kids playing high school sports can actually benefit from their name, image, and likeness. Man, this is a whole new ballgame, not just for the athletes themselves, but for every community that rallies around its high school teams. Think about how many Friday nights we spend under the lights, whether it's at Lucas Oil Stadium for the state finals or a small town gym packed to the rafters. This changes the game for those kids.
### What This Means for Indianapolis
So check this—this isn't about paying kids to play. It's about letting them profit from *non-athletic* services. This is huge, especially here in Indianapolis where high school sports are practically a religion.
* A standout point guard from Crispus Attucks, like the ones who brought home those state titles, could now get paid to appear at a summer camp on the Eastside, teaching fundamentals. * A star football player from Cathedral or Warren Central could do a paid endorsement for a local business down on Mass Ave, or even for a car dealership over on 38th Street. * Imagine a rising track star from North Central creating social media content for a brand, making a little money to help their family out.
This is a real opportunity, especially for kids from neighborhoods where every dollar counts. It could open doors and create pathways that weren't there before, letting these young athletes capitalize on the spotlight they earn, all while staying in school and representing their communities. It’s a step towards recognizing the hard work and dedication these kids put in, and it’s about time.
Naptown on the wire — we've been up since 5am, you just didn't notice. You know Keith and the crew are gonna have some thoughts on this tomorrow morning — catch 'em live at mornings.live.