Michigan lawmakers push bill to protect college athletes’ name, image and likeness rights

LANSING, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — Michigan lawmakers are advancing a bill aimed at safeguarding college athletes’ rights to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The proposed legislation, House Bill 4643, seeks to prevent the NCAA and other organizations from capping the earnings of student-athletes in Michigan through NIL deals.

Tom Dieters, a former Michigan State University baseball player and current president of Charitable Gift America, emphasized the importance of the bill. “Right now, the schools are breaking the laws in the state of Michigan because they are limiting kids on what they can earn,” he said. “Our bill says there is no limit. They can earn whatever the free market will bear.”

The bill, introduced by Democratic Representative Joe Tate, a former MSU football player, also aims to ensure that student-athletes are not required to publicly disclose their NIL earnings and prohibits the NCAA from penalizing Michigan schools or athletes involved in NIL deals.

Dieters highlighted the potential competitive advantage the bill could provide Michigan schools in recruiting. “Quite frankly, it gives our schools a big recruiting advantage over the competitors in the same league because they do have that opportunity,” he said.

Anika Dy, a former University of Michigan golfer, shared her perspective on the impact of NIL. “It’s an awesome opportunity to help financial situations and then also alleviate some stress, which can help you play better honestly and do better in school,” she said.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is not only about fairness but also about state sovereignty, allowing Michigan to set its own rules and give its schools a recruiting edge. “This bill is not just about the players. It’s also about states’ rights. The state of Michigan can be a leader here,” Dieters said.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform, and its progress will be closely monitored.