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New Texas NIL bill passes House after lengthy debate

(KBTX) – Texas Rep. Mitch Little (R-District 65) bounced from one microphone to another on the House floor Monday, taking the lead in the resistance of a bill that supporters said would make college athletics in the state of Texas noncompetitive. “I don’t think there is a way for us to close Pandora’s Box,” Little […]

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3 months ago

April 15, 2025

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New Texas NIL bill passes House after lengthy debate

“I don’t think there is a way for us to close Pandora’s Box,” Little said on the House floor. “My concern is that the state of Texas and the legislature not open Pandora’s Box even farther.”

House Bill 126 ultimately passed the House vote 109-35, moving a new legislation name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation for Texas college athletes one step closer to law. It would be the third iteration of NIL legislation to pass through the Texas legislature, the previous two with little turbulence. Monday, the debate over the bill lasted nearly an hour.

This bill, authored by Rep. Carl Tepper (R-District 84) widens existing NIL legislation so that athletes to be paid NIL compensation directly from their universities, while they are performing team-sanctioned events or to be used as inducement for enrollment at a school. It also contains a clause that allows new NCAA rules or court orders to supersede the state law, circumventing the need to update NIL law every two years.

With a settlement set to be approved in the House v. NCAA antitrust case in the coming weeks, the state was in need of the new language in the bill to comply. As it currently reads, the House settlement provides $2.6 billion in back payments for athletes who missed out on NIL from 2016 to the legalization of the payments in 2021. More important to this bill, the settlement allows universities to share revenue for the use of the athletes NIL in television broadcasts of games, among other things, which violates the current law in the state.

“We will be killing college football in Texas if we do not pass this bill,” Rep. Tepper said in response to a question from West Texas Rep. Stan Lambert (R-District 71).

NIL compensation was first codified in Texas on July 1, 2021, along with many other states around the country. It wasn’t until after several states proposed NIL laws that the NCAA relented and legalized the compensation across the organization. In the absence of any federal law regarding NIL compensation, NIL legislation has become a competition between states to create laws that are most inciting to the nation’s top recruits.

However, it’s this NIL arms race, along with a multitude of court cases, which Rep. Little described as “Pandora’s Box.”

Rep. Little’s most pressing arguments to block passage of the bill, both in questioning and speaking, is an athlete’s employee status and the rights of athletes to seek recourse of universities renege on NIL contracts.

“The university enters into an NIL contract with a student athlete, says ‘we’re going to pay you $4 million to come and play college football here,‘” Rep. Little said during debate. “And then they get on campus and the university decides, ‘you stink. We’re not going to pay you the rest of this NIL contract.’ What am I supposed to tell that student athlete concerning his ability to collect against a university that’s subject to sovereign immunity? Should I just tell him, ‘too bad?‘”

As state agencies, Texas public universities have immunity from suit, including with contracts, unless waived by the legislature. Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-District 94) asked if there could be an amendment to the bill that waves sovereign immunity, to which Rep. Tepper declined.

“Sovereign immunity is a larger issue than this bill and so, right now, I would not accept any amendments,” announced Rep. Tepper.

Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-District 103) countered the employee argument by saying that was a question for a different day and a different bill.

“That is a fair argument,” Rep. Anchia reasoned. “However, I think that we can deal with that fact pattern and deal with the other laws that come to bear- as you suggested in your back and forth- outside of this bill. We don’t need to do it here.”

Finally, Rep. Jolanda Jones, a former All-American track and field athlete at the University of Houston, issued her argument against predatory deals made with athletes.

“Even the NIL athletes– which I will respectfully submit to you when I’m coming out of high school, deciding if I’m going to a college– I don’t have the best lawyers reviewing stuff,” she said. “I just don’t. The university has the best… Let me be clear, I picked the students over the universities 1,000 times out of 1,000. The universities have boosters, and they have money and these little bitty old athletes, they don’t have that. It’s unequal bargaining power, and let me be clear, we should have never been amateur. There was no reason I should have been starving when I was in college and having to sneak to work. But this [bill] is not the right answer.”

Both Brazos Valley representatives Paul Dyson and Trey Wharton voted in favor of the bill.

In the coming days, the bill will need to pass a Senate committee, then the Senate at large before making its way to the Governor’s desk to become law.

“This is a cleanup bill,” Rep. Tepper added in closing. “This is in response to a court settlement that’s going to come down and be finalized within seven days to 10 days, apparently. There’s no state funds involved. These are athletic departments. This is Texas. We believe in our student-athletes. We believe in football and, frankly, they deserve to get paid. This is what this bill does.”

Related Topics:athlete athletic bad college college football competition deals football high school new nil sports submit team track track and field university

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Baseball Earns ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The K-State baseball team was honored for its academic success by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), as the Wildcats received the Team Academic Excellence Award for the 2024-25 season. The award, established in 2016, recognizes high school and college teams coached by ABCA members that achieve a cumulative team GPA […]

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5 minutes ago

July 24, 2025

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MANHATTAN, Kan. – The K-State baseball team was honored for its academic success by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), as the Wildcats received the Team Academic Excellence Award for the 2024-25 season.

The award, established in 2016, recognizes high school and college teams coached by ABCA members that achieve a cumulative team GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the academic year. This year, 440 college programs and nearly 300 high school programs were recognized for their academic achievement.

The Wildcats posted a 3.24 team GPA for the 2024-25 academic year, while four student-athletes – catcher Bear Madliak, outfielder Keegan O’Connor, and pitchers Ty Ruhl and Lincoln Sheffield – earned perfect 4.0 GPAs during the spring semester.

K-State was one of nine Big 12 schools to earn the award, marking the program’s second time receiving the honor and the first since the 2016-17 season.

The American Baseball Coaches Association has a long tradition of recognizing the achievements of baseball coaches and student-athletes. The ABCA/Rawlings All-America Teams are the nation’s oldest, founded in 1949, and the ABCA’s awards program also includes the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Awards, the ABCA/Diamond Regional & National Coaches of the Year and several other major awards such as the ABCA Hall of Fame and the Ethics in Coaching Award.

Under seventh-year head coach Pete Hughes, the Wildcats concluded the 2025 season with an overall record of 32-26, including a record-breaking 17 conference victories. K-State advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, marking the program’s first back-to-back appearances since 2010–11.

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USC’s Alijah Arenas Reportedly Tears Meniscus in Blow to Upcoming Season

Nearly three months after his involvement in a frightening car accident, USC guard Alijah Arenas has reportedly suffered another setback. Arenas has torn his meniscus and is expected to be sidelined for at least six to eight months, according to a Wednesday afternoon report from veteran basketball reporter Chris Haynes. The 18-year-old son of former […]

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51 minutes ago

July 24, 2025

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Nearly three months after his involvement in a frightening car accident, USC guard Alijah Arenas has reportedly suffered another setback.

Arenas has torn his meniscus and is expected to be sidelined for at least six to eight months, according to a Wednesday afternoon report from veteran basketball reporter Chris Haynes.

The 18-year-old son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas is a rising freshman who chose the Trojans over a slew of other top basketball programs, including both Kansas and Kentucky. A native of Oakland who played high school basketball in Los Angeles, Arenas represented the West team in this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game.

On April 24, Arenas was placed into a medically induced coma after a Tesla Cybertruck he was driving crashed and caught fire. Two people pulled him to safety, and he did not suffer any major injuries; he was placed in a coma due to smoke he inhaled in the fire.

USC’s 2026 men’s basketball schedule has not been released, but should begin around early November.

More College Basketball on Sports Illustrated

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Eli Manning Invests in XTech Youth Sports Safety Gear

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2 hours ago

July 24, 2025

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Eli Manning Invests in XTech Youth Sports Safety Gear

Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has made a strategic move into the sports equipment sector by investing in XTech, a company specializing in protective gear for athletes. The investment, announced on July 24, 2025, positions Manning as both a financial backer and brand ambassador for XTech, which is aiming to expand its footprint in the burgeoning youth sports market. This deal underscores Manning’s growing portfolio of post-retirement business ventures, blending his celebrity status with targeted investments in consumer-facing brands.

Details of the investment remain undisclosed in terms of exact figures, but sources indicate it’s part of a broader funding round for XTech, a firm known for its innovative padding and protective equipment used in football and other contact sports. Manning’s involvement comes at a time when the company is pushing to differentiate itself through technology-driven products that emphasize safety and performance, particularly for younger players.

XTech’s Market Push and Manning’s Role

According to a report from CNBC, XTech is leveraging Manning’s endorsement to penetrate the youth segment, where participation in organized sports has seen steady growth despite economic pressures. The company, founded in 2010, produces items like shoulder pads and helmets incorporating advanced materials for better impact absorption, and Manning’s star power is expected to boost visibility among parents and coaches concerned about concussion risks.

Manning, who retired from the NFL in 2020 after a 16-year career, expressed enthusiasm for XTech’s focus on innovation. “I’ve always been passionate about player safety, and XTech is at the forefront of that,” he told CNBC in an interview. This aligns with his personal brand, built on durability and leadership during his Giants tenure.

Broadening Investment Portfolio

This isn’t Manning’s first foray into business. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from earlier in 2025 highlight his involvement in other ventures, such as joining Brand Velocity Partners in 2022 to advise on brand development, and his role in Omaha Productions, a media company co-founded with brother Peyton that recently reached an $800 million valuation following a venture capital round, as reported by Axios. These moves show Manning diversifying beyond sports commentary into equity stakes.

Additionally, a Bloomberg report from April 2025 noted Manning assembling an investment group to bid for a stake in the New York Giants, though that effort appears separate from his XTech deal. Such activities reflect a trend among retired athletes turning to private equity and startups to maintain influence and generate returns.

Youth Sports Boom and Competitive Edge

The youth sports market, valued at around $19 billion in the U.S. alone, is projected to grow amid increasing parental investment in children’s activities, per data from industry analyses. XTech aims to capture a slice by emphasizing customizable, high-tech gear that meets evolving safety standards from organizations like the NFL and NCAA.

Competitors like Riddell and Schutt dominate the space, but XTech’s niche in premium, performance-oriented products could gain traction with Manning’s backing. As noted in NBC New York coverage echoing the CNBC story, this investment mirrors strategies by athletes like Serena Williams and Kevin Durant, who have funneled capital into wellness and tech brands.

Strategic Implications for XTech

For XTech, Manning’s participation extends beyond capital; his network could open doors to endorsements from current NFL players and partnerships with leagues. Industry insiders suggest this could accelerate XTech’s expansion into international markets, where youth football is gaining popularity in Europe and Asia.

However, challenges remain, including supply chain issues and regulatory hurdles on equipment standards. Still, Manning’s track record—evident in the success of BBQGuys, another Brand Velocity-backed venture he supported—bodes well for XTech’s trajectory.

Long-Term Outlook and Athlete Investments

Looking ahead, this deal highlights the evolving role of celebrity athletes in consumer goods. A report from The Athletic on July 23, 2025, drew parallels between Manning’s career and emerging talents, underscoring his enduring appeal. If XTech scales successfully, it could yield significant returns for Manning while advancing sports safety.

Ultimately, as posts on X from outlets like Front Office Sports illustrate, Manning’s business acumen is reshaping how retired stars engage with industry, potentially inspiring more such partnerships in the years to come. With the sports equipment sector poised for innovation, this investment marks a calculated step in Manning’s post-NFL chapter.

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Carolina Football Sells Out All Tickets Ahead Of 2025 Season

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July 24, 2025

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NIL promises made to recruits, now coaches wait for key decision to learn whether they can keep them – WFTV

LAS VEGAS — (AP) — Next week, college football coaches can put the recruiting promises they have made to high school seniors on paper. Then the question becomes whether they can keep them. Uncertainty over a key element of the $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement that is reshaping college sports has placed recruiters on a […]

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4 hours ago

July 24, 2025

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LAS VEGAS — (AP) — Next week, college football coaches can put the recruiting promises they have made to high school seniors on paper.

Then the question becomes whether they can keep them.

Uncertainty over a key element of the $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement that is reshaping college sports has placed recruiters on a tightrope.

They need clarity about whether the third-party collectives that were closely affiliated with their schools and that ruled name, image, likeness payments over the first four years of the NIL era can be used to exceed the $20.5 million annual cap on what each school can now pay players directly. Or, whether those collectives will simply become a cog in the new system.

Only until that issue is resolved will many coaches know if the offers they’ve made, and that can become official on Aug. 1, will conform to the new rules governing college sports.

“You don’t want to put agreements on the table about things that we might have to claw back,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day explained at this week’s Big Ten media days. “Because that’s not a great look.”

No coach, of course, is going to fess up to making an offer he can’t back up.

“All we can do is be open and honest about what we do know, and be great communicators from that standpoint,” Oregon’s Dan Lanning said.

Aug. 1 is key because it marks the day football programs can start sending written offers for scholarships to high school prospects starting their senior year.

This process essentially replaces what used to be the signing of a national letter of intent. It symbolizes the changes taking hold in a new era in which players aren’t just signing for a scholarship, but for a paycheck, too.

Paying them is not a straightforward business. Among the gray areas comes from guidance issued earlier this month by the newly formed College Sports Commission in charge of enforcing rules involved with paying players, both through the $20.5 million revenue share with schools and through third-party collectives.

The CSC is in charge of clearing all third-party deals worth $600 or more.

It created uncertainty earlier this month when it announced, in essence, that the collectives did not have a “valid business purpose.” if their only reason to exist was ultimately to pay players. Lawyers for the players barked back and said that is what a collective was always met to be, and if it sells a product for a profit, it qualifies as legit.

The parties are working on a compromise, but if they don’t reach one they will take this in front of a judge to decide.

With Aug. 1 coming up fast, oaches are eager to lock in commitments they’ve spent months, sometimes years, locking down from high school recruits.

“Recruiting never shuts off, so we do need clarity as soon as we can,” Buckeyes athletic director Ross Bjork said. “The sooner we can have clarity, the better. I think the term ‘collective’ has obviously taken on a life of its own. But it’s really not what it’s called, it’s what they do.”

In anticipating the future, some schools have disbanded their collectives while others, such as Ohio State, have brought them in-house. It is all a bit of a gamble. If the agreement that comes out of these negotiations doesn’t restrict collectives, they could be viewed as an easy way to get around the salary cap. Either way, schools eyeing ways for players to earn money outside the cap amid reports that big programs have football rosters worth more than $30 million in terms of overall player payments.

“It’s a lot to catch up, and there’s a lot for coaches and administrators to deal with,” Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said, noting the terms only went into play on July 1. “But I don’t think it’s unusual when you have something this different that there’s going to be some bumps in the road to get to the right place. I think everybody is committed to get there.”

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, whose program tapped into the transfer portal and NIL to make the most remarkable turnaround in college football last season, acknowledged “the landscape is still changing, changing as we speak today.”

“You’ve got to be light on your feet and nimble,” he said. “At some point, hopefully down the road, this thing will settle down and we’ll have clear rules and regulations on how we operate.”

At stake at Oregon is what is widely regarded as a top-10 recruiting class for a team that finished first in the Big Ten and made the College Football Playoff last year along with three other teams from the league.

“It’s an interpretation that has to be figured out, and anytime there’s a new rule, it’s how does that rule adjust, how does it adapt, how does it change what we have to do here,” Lanning said. “But one thing we’ve been able to do here is — what we say we’ll do, we do.”

___

AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

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Georgia Bulldogs News

Georgia football finally had a good day on the recruiting trail on Wednesday after Rivals updated their recruiting rankings. On top of that, a former Bulldog fan favorite had a lot of positive things to say about his time at Georgia even after transferring away from the program. But the biggest story to drop on […]

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4 hours ago

July 24, 2025

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But the biggest story to drop on Wednesday came in the form Georgia’s future quarterback having his future NIL deal leaked.

Jared Curtis is coming to Georgia on a cheap NIL deal

Most would assume that five-star QB Jared Curtis would be receiving a pretty hefty NIL deal to come to Georgia. While that is the case, it is nowhere near as large as some other top QBs are receiving.

According to On3, Curtis will make $750,000 during his first season at Georgia in 2026. Now compare that to the roughly $2.6 million Bryce Underwood, who was the No. 1 QB in the 2025 recruiting class, will make on average per year at Michigan and it’s easy to see how great of a deal this is for Georgia.

Curtis will likely make more money as his career at Georgia takes off, but either way the Bulldogs are getting Curtis in Athens on a very team friendly deal.

Georgia still sits atop SEC team recruiting rankings

Alabama and Texas have been the hottest teams in the SEC on the recruiting trail over the last couple weeks. Meanwhile Georgia has only been able to earn a couple commitments. Even though that is the case, UGA still has the No. 1 recruiting class in the SEC after an update to Rivals 2026 recruiting rankings.

The Bulldogs still trail USC for the No. 1 class in the country, but Georgia needs just one more commitment to surpass the Trojans.

Carson Beck finally speaks fondly of Georgia

The relationship between Georgia and Carson Beck has been iffy at best since Beck decided to transfer from Georgia to Miami. However, it appears that Beck has no negative feelings about his time at UGA based on the below statement he made at ACC Media Days this week.

”I wouldn’t be the person or player I am today without Georgia, and I’ll always be a Bulldog, I am very appreciative of my time there.”

Sure Georgia fans may still have some negative feelings towards Beck for the way he left the program, but if he is ready to move on then it is probably best for Georgia fans to as well. Beck did a lot of good things at Georgia, so he should be celebrated for those moments even though his time in Athens didn’t end how anyone expected.