A North Carolina court judge ruled in favor of high school student-athletes seeking NIL opportunities. The new landmark ruling in the state now allows high school athletes to receive compensation through NIL deals.
“Wake County Superior Court Judge Graham Shirley granted a preliminary injunction in the case involving the family of Greensboro high school football player Faizon Brandon, a top-rated recruit in the Class of 2026. The decision stops the state board’s prohibition,” a WRAL-TV report on the ruling wrote.
Faizon, a Class of 2026 recruit, became the face of this battle in court during his recruitment. He commented on the ruling, praising it on X.
#AGTG 🙌🏽 https://t.co/V3ABAllEaT
— Faizon Brandon (@faizon_brandon) October 1, 2024
The ruling will go into effect following the 2025-26 high school athletics year in North Carolina. Missouri offers similar benefits for high school athletes, which has become a boon for Mizzou’s football recruiting. Around 40 states have deals as well for high school athletes now, as NIL has become one of the leaders of change in the sport.
Faizon’s attorney Mike Ingersoll released a statement on the ruling.
“We are extremely happy with the Court’s well-reasoned decision today,” he said via WRAL-TV. “Which we believe was the right outcome. In an effort to collaborate and work cooperatively, we recently proposed a consent injunction to the State Board of Education, through its attorneys, that is similar to the injunction the Court ordered from the bench today, but the State Board declined our offer to work together to find a mutual solution. Nevertheless, the correct outcome was reached today. We are proud to work with the Brandon family and are excited for our client and the opportunities he will soon be able to maximize upon entry of the Court’s written order.”
The schools of North Carolina will now look to lean into that. One might expect UNC to be at the forefront as one of the most recognizable brands in college sports.
[WRAL]
