Proposal would limit public access to athlete deal records

Colleges would keep records about athlete compensation deals from public inspection. The rule covers records about current or prospective college athletes’ compensation for use of their name, image, likeness, or athletic reputation. A college could disclose the records when a court orders it or when disclosure is required to follow athletic association or conference rules.

Colleges would not penalize athletes for receiving certain support or earning third-party compensation. The provisions apply to student athletes at post-secondary schools and their grant-in-aid or stipend. The protection covers compensation tied to use of an athlete’s name, image, likeness, or athletic reputation.

A sponsor could not offer a contract requiring an athlete to advertise in person during official team activities without the college’s approval. The rule covers third parties offering student athletes compensation contracts for use of their name, image, likeness, or athletic reputation. The restriction applies to in-person advertising during official, mandatory team activities.