High school sports bills would allow middle schoolers to compete; regulate name, image and likeness

By Aaron Bonderson , Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media

2 de Febrero de 2026 a las 18:14 ·

Niobrara-Verdigre faces off with Hartington-Newcastle in an eight-man football game. (Aaron Bonderson/Nebraska Public Media News)

On Monday, members of the public shared their thoughts on two bills that would change high school sports rules in Nebraska. The Unicameral’s Education Committee heard testimony on LB742, which would allow seventh and eighth grade students to compete on high school sports teams.

The committee also received public comment on LB1046. That bill would set up regulations and a reporting system around name, image and likeness deals for high school athletes.

Both bills were introduced by Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, who also coaches wrestling at Omaha North High School.

Middle school participation

LB742 could help a wide array of schools fill rosters, McKinney said.

Sen. Terrell McKinney (Photo courtesy Nebraska Legislature) — Terrell McKinney

“I think we're seeing a trend, not only in the western — in rural Nebraska, but also in Omaha, we have some high schools who could barely field basketball teams and things like that,” McKinney said. “So it's becoming a larger issue, and I think this opportunity could help with that.”

An amendment was added to make the policy optional for school districts. Concerns from the committee and school officials included potential for more injuries, bullying and middle schoolers not being mentally ready for high school sports.

The Nebraska Catholic Conference and the Nebraska Association of Schools Boards spoke in a neutral capacity. The school boards originally planned to speak against the bill, but the amendment moved them to the middle, spokesperson Colby Coash said. He added this could nudge the Nebraska School Activities Association to act.

“Overall, we prefer this issue be handled through the NSAA,” Coash said. “They are a governing body of sports, as you know. It's my understanding that they are looking at this issue.”

No one spoke in person in favor or against, but one person submitted an online comment in favor, while six sent online comments against it.

NIL legislation for high school athletics

LB1046 would restrict NIL deals that promote tobacco, alcohol and other age-restricted or illegal products, and it would set up a reporting system.

Streaming services use student athlete names to promote upcoming matches, McKinney said.

“If we weren't charging subscriptions to watch these sports or to pay to watch them perform, I probably wouldn't bring this bill,” McKinney said.

His goal is to protect young athletes and ensure they aren’t exploited, McKinney said.

McKinney also said the bill would help with competitive equity. Multiple committee members argued NIL was ruining college athletics. One senator thanked him for creating rules for something that’s already legal in the state.

The NSAA could not be reached Monday afternoon for comment on the two bills.