Alabama’s high school sidelines are looking a lot different these days. If you've been scrolling through local news or sitting in the bleachers lately, you've probably heard folks buzzing about the "Alabama school athletics bill." But honestly, there isn't just one single bill—it’s a whole wave of new laws hitting the field at once.
It's a lot to keep track of.
Between the way schools are classified for championships and the massive shift in how student-athletes can actually get paid, the rulebook is basically being rewritten in real-time. Whether you’re a parent, a coach, or just a Saturday morning superfan, these changes are going to impact who plays who—and how much money is on the line.
What’s the Deal with HB 298 and the 2026 Shift?
The big one you’ve likely heard about is HB 298. This bill focuses on something called "athletic classification." Basically, in the past, a school’s size determined if they were 1A, 7A, or somewhere in between.
HB 298 changes the math.
Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, athletic associations (like the AHSAA) have to adjust a school’s classification by accounting for English Language Learner (ELL) students who don't actually play sports. This might sound like a minor clerical tweak, but for smaller schools with high ELL populations, it’s huge. It prevents them from being "bumped up" into a higher, more difficult competitive class just because their student body grew on paper, even if their actual talent pool stayed the same.
The bill also adds some political oversight. It mandates that two non-voting members from the Alabama Legislature—one from the House and one from the Senate—sit on the governing body of these athletic associations. It’s the state’s way of saying, "We’re watching how you run the game."
The CHOOSE Act Battle: Eligibility Under Fire
Then there’s the drama surrounding the CHOOSE Act. This was technically a "school choice" law passed in 2024, but it crashed head-first into high school sports in late 2025 and early 2026.
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The CHOOSE Act gives families up to $7,000 in Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to use for private school or homeschooling. The problem? The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) initially tried to say that any kid who transferred using these funds had to sit out for a full year.
They called it "preventing recruitment."
Governor Kay Ivey and several lawmakers called it "punishing parents."
In September 2025, Montgomery Circuit Judge J.R. Gaines stepped in with a temporary restraining order. As we head into 2026, the law is clear: CHOOSE Act participants maintain full athletic eligibility. You can’t be sidelined just because your parents used a state-granted tax credit to move you to a new school. This is a massive win for families who felt stuck between a better education and their kid's starting spot on the varsity roster.
NIL for High Schoolers: Finally, a Paycheck?
Let’s talk money. For years, if an Alabama high schooler took a dime for an autograph or a Gatorade ad, they were finished.
Not anymore.
HB 489 (and its predecessor HB 25) effectively opened the door for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation for K-12 athletes. This isn't a free-for-all, though. There are some pretty "Alabama-style" guardrails in place:
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- No "Pay-to-Play": You can't get paid based on how many touchdowns you score.
- No School Logos: You can’t wear your team jersey in an ad without serious legal permission.
- The Seven-Day Rule: Students or parents have to tell the principal about an NIL deal at least seven days before signing.
- Professional Guidance: The law actually requires families to get professional advice on taxes and financial aid before taking the cash.
It’s about time, honestly. Alabama was one of the last holdouts in the Southeast, watching kids in other states build brands while our local stars had to stay "amateur." Now, the playing field is leveled.
Transgender Participation and Title IX
We can't discuss Alabama school athletics without mentioning the ongoing legal tug-of-war over gender in sports. Alabama already has laws on the books—HB 391 for K-12 and HB 261 for college—that ban transgender athletes from competing on teams that match their gender identity.
In early 2026, the U.S. Department of Education launched investigations into several states, including some districts right here, regarding Title IX compliance. The state argues these laws protect "fairness for biological women," while federal critics argue they are discriminatory.
For now, the state laws stand. In Alabama, you play on the team that aligns with the sex on your birth certificate. It’s a point of major contention, and with federal investigations ramping up this year, we haven't seen the last of this in court.
The "Nurse Bill" (SB 110) of 2026
Something brand new just hit the floor in January 2026: SB 110, sponsored by Senator Chris Elliott.
This one is a bit of a "common sense" bill that’s gaining steam. It basically says that if a certified nurse signs off on a kid’s sports physical, the school and the athletic association have to accept it. They can't demand it only be a physician.
It sounds small, but in rural Alabama where seeing a doctor can take weeks, this is a lifesaver for families trying to get their kids cleared for practice before the first whistle blows.
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Real-World Impact: What Happens Next?
So, what does all this legalese actually mean when you’re standing at the concession stand?
First, expect some reclassification shakes. By 2026-2027, your school might be playing different rivals. If your school has a lot of ELL students who don't play, you might find your team back in a lower division where you’re actually competitive again.
Second, get ready for high school influencers. You’re going to see local stars on billboards for the neighborhood car dealership or tagging the local pizza joint on Instagram. It’s the new reality.
Third, the transfer portal (sort of) has arrived. With the CHOOSE Act ruling, families have more mobility than ever.
Actionable Steps for 2026:
- Check the Classifications: If you're a coach, keep an eye on the State Board of Education's new rules for HB 298. They’re being finalized this year for the 2026 rollout.
- NIL Disclosure: If your kid gets an offer for a brand deal, don't sign it in the kitchen and keep it quiet. You must notify the principal seven days in advance or risk losing eligibility.
- Physicals: If you're struggling to find a doctor, check if your local clinic has a certified nurse who can handle the sports physical under the new SB 110 guidelines.
- CHOOSE Act Deadlines: Applications for ESAs for the 2026-2027 year usually open early in the year. If you’re planning a move, get the paperwork done now to ensure your student stays eligible for fall sports.
Alabama sports are a religion. These bills are just the new commandments. Whether you love the changes or hate them, they’re here to stay for the 2026 season and beyond.