Introduced bill sets rules for college athlete endorsement deals

Colleges would have to allow covered athletes to earn money from the use of their name, image, or likeness. This applies to full-time students eligible for intercollegiate competition at accredited four-year colleges that support intercollegiate athletic programs. A scholarship would not count as this compensation and could not be revoked because an athlete earned money or obtained professional representation. The introduced text sets September 1, 2025, as the effective date; the measure is still in progress.

Athletes could not earn money from deals tied to specified products and services, and those deals would end their eligibility for institutional financial aid. This applies to covered athletes earning compensation for use of their name, image, or likeness. The restriction covers connections to adult entertainment, alcohol, gambling, tobacco or electronic smoking products, prescription pharmaceuticals, controlled dangerous substances, and weapons. The introduced text sets September 1, 2025, as the effective date; the measure is still in progress.

Athletes would have to report paid deals to a college official and could not sign deals that conflict with team contracts or the chapter's restrictions. This applies to covered athletes who enter paid name, image, or likeness contracts. Team contracts could allow a college or sports organization to use an athlete's name, image, or likeness for advertising without extra pay, but could not block the athlete's commercial use outside official team activities. If a college claims a deal conflicts with the restrictions on certain products and services, it must show the athlete and their representative the relevant contract terms. The introduced text sets September 1, 2025, as the effective date; the measure is still in progress.

Athletes could get professional representation; their lawyers would need licenses, and athlete agents would have to follow federal rules. This applies to covered athletes and the professionals representing them. Representation may cover contracts and legal matters. The introduced text sets September 1, 2025, as the effective date; the measure is still in progress.