NIL
Ohio aims to regulate NIL contracts for college athletes: What lawmakers say
A new Ohio bill could serve as consumer protection for collegiate athletes. It would shield students from contracts that extend into their professional careers. COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the wild west of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), there is a lot of money to be made for college athletes. That has led to a new […]
A new Ohio bill could serve as consumer protection for collegiate athletes. It would shield students from contracts that extend into their professional careers.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the wild west of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), there is a lot of money to be made for college athletes.
That has led to a new effort to establish parameters, with a bill that Ohio lawmakers hope will provide new standards of protection.
“We can excel on the field and also excel at protecting our student athletes,” said Ohio State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), who is a primary sponsor of the bill.
House Bill 184 would set limits for NIL contracts, keeping them contained to the athlete’s period of eligibility in college.
The idea sparked from a real-life situation, as a Buckeye superstar made his transition to the pros.
“We got involved in this based on an example right here out of Ohio, where we had Marvin Harrison Junior, who was a highly talented, high draft pick from the Ohio State Buckeyes,” said Rep. Stewart. “His jersey couldn’t be sold for a period of time, based on a dispute involving a booster that believed they had a contract with him that extended into his professional playing career. It would’ve bound his professional earnings, so we don’t think that’s good policy.”
The legislation would create new rules to assist student athletes and their families in an area that can be confusing.
“One thing you’re hearing from parents of some of these big-time athletes who are having a lot of success with NIL opportunities is one – read the fine print,” said sports analyst Jay Richardson, former Ohio State Buckeye and NFL player.
Still connected to the OSU football program, he sees what’s at stake, as players and families do their best to maneuver within these growing NIL opportunities.
“You’re trying to figure out how all these dots connect and who’s getting what, so we’re all on the same page,” said Richardson, referring to the NIL maze. “And there’s zero transparency right now in this space and that’s why they’re calling it the wild, wild west – it’s because of the lack of transparency.”
Richardson says this bill is necessary and that Ohio is the state to set the standard for college athletes nationwide.
“If Ohio can get some things passed and bring some guard rails and some guide rails and some oversight to their NIL process, then you’ll see other states follow suit,” said Richardson.
Representative Stewart sees this legislation as crucial for the integrity of Ohio sports.
“Let’s have ‘Name, Image and Likeness’ deals limited to collegiate eligibility and have professional deals for the professionals,” said Stewart.
Already receiving bipartisan support, House Bill 184 passed through the Ohio House of Representatives.
It is now in the hands of the Ohio Senate.