Jeremy Thomas Photography LLC

MHSAA Personal Branding Activities: What Northville Athletes Need To Know in 2026

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Jeremy
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MHSAA Personal Branding Activities: What Northville Athletes Need To Know (And How To Build a Strong, Compliant Personal Brand)

On January 2026, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced a major update that opens new doors for student‑athletes: Personal Branding Activities (PBA), a policy similar in spirit to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) at the college level.

Official details are available directly from the MHSAA:
https://www.mhsaa.com/students/name-image-likeness

This change gives high school athletes across Michigan — including right here in Northville — the opportunity to build a personal brand, collaborate with businesses, and showcase their achievements in a more professional, intentional way.

As a photographer who specializes in senior athlete portraits, I’ve already seen how powerful it is when athletes take ownership of their story. This new policy simply gives them more room to do it.

This guide breaks down what the new MHSAA rules mean, how athletes can participate safely, and how professional imagery plays a key role in building a strong, compliant personal brand.

What Are MHSAA Personal Branding Activities (PBA)?

The MHSAA now allows high school athletes to participate in certain types of personal branding opportunities — activities that highlight who they are, what they’ve achieved, and how they represent themselves publicly.

These activities may include:

  • Creating or promoting personal social media content
  • Sharing athletic achievements
  • Building a personal website or portfolio
  • Collaborating with local businesses (within MHSAA guidelines)
  • Using professional photos to represent themselves online

The MHSAA’s official page outlines the full policy and restrictions:
https://www.mhsaa.com/students/name-image-likeness

This is not the same as full college‑level NIL, but it does give athletes more freedom to shape their public identity.

Why This Matters for Northville Athletes

For years, college athletes have used personal branding to:

  • Stand out in recruiting
  • Build confidence
  • Grow their online presence
  • Connect with future opportunities

Now, high school athletes can begin developing these skills earlier — and that’s a huge advantage.

For parents, this means:

  • Helping your athlete present themselves professionally
  • Understanding what’s allowed (and what isn’t)
  • Supporting them as they build a positive digital footprint

For athletes, this means:

  • Taking ownership of your story
  • Showcasing your hard work
  • Building a brand that reflects your values, personality, and goals

How Professional Portraits Support Athlete Personal Branding

A strong personal brand starts with strong visuals.

That’s where senior athlete portraits become more than just photos — they become tools.

Professional images help athletes:

  • Present themselves confidently online
  • Create consistent, polished social media profiles
  • Build a recognizable personal identity
  • Stand out to coaches, recruiters, and local businesses
  • Share achievements in a way that feels authentic and elevated

My senior athlete portrait sessions are designed specifically for this purpose — blending dramatic, magazine‑style imagery with storytelling that highlights each athlete’s personality, leadership, and dedication.

Whether it’s on the field, on the ice, or in the studio, the goal is simple:
Showcase you as the MVP of your story.

Portrait Photography

What’s Allowed? What Isn’t? (In Parent‑Friendly Terms)

The MHSAA outlines clear guidelines, but here’s the simplified version:

Athletes CAN

  • Build a personal brand
  • Use professional photos
  • Promote themselves on social media
  • Share achievements and milestones
  • Collaborate with businesses (within limits)
  • Create websites, portfolios, or highlight reels

Athletes CANNOT

  • Use school logos, uniforms, or facilities for paid promotions
  • Imply school endorsement
  • Participate in activities that conflict with team rules
  • Accept certain types of compensation

For the full, official rules, always refer to the MHSAA page:
https://www.mhsaa.com/students/name-image-likeness

How To Help Your Athlete Build a Strong, Compliant Personal Brand

Here’s a simple roadmap for parents and athletes:

1. Start with a Professional Portrait Session

This gives athletes a library of high‑quality images they can use across platforms.

2. Create a Consistent Online Presence

Use the same profile photo, colors, and tone across social media.

3. Share Achievements Thoughtfully

Highlight leadership, teamwork, and growth — not just stats.

4. Keep Everything MHSAA‑Compliant

Avoid school logos, uniforms, or facilities in promotional posts.

5. Build a Long‑Term Story

A personal brand isn’t a one‑time post — it’s a narrative.

Ready to Build Your Athlete’s Personal Brand?

If you’re a parent or athlete in Northville and you want to take advantage of the new MHSAA Personal Branding Activities, I’d love to help you create portraits that elevate your story and support your goals.

Let’s talk about your athlete’s vision, goals, and how we can create images that truly represent who they are.

Book Your Free Discovery Call

Refer to MHSAA’s official page for full policy and restrictions:
https://www.mhsaa.com/students/name-image-likeness