Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order that will allow Oklahoma’s colleges and universities to facilitate direct payments to student-athletes for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), saying he needed to do so to allow the state’s athletic programs to remain competitive as federal and legal decisions surrounding NIL payments remain pending.In the order issued late Thursday afternoon, Stitt noted the NCAA and some athletic conferences have reached an agreement in a federal lawsuit being heard in California that — if approved — would allow universities to provide direct payment to student-athletes for the use of their NIL. Until then, Stitt said an “inconsistent national landscape” has been created surrounding NIL and that could put Oklahoma’s universities at a competitive disadvantage.Complicating the issue, Stitt said in the order, is the state’s four NCAA Division I athletic programs compete in four different conferences — Oklahoma State University in the Big 12 Conference, the University of Oklahoma in the Southeastern Conference, Oral Roberts University in the Summit League and the University of Tulsa in the American Athletic Conference. That, he said, creates a risk of different conference rules applying to each postsecondary institution, thereby disproportionately disadvantaging certain postsecondary institutions.More:What will 2025 bring for Oklahoma State athletics? We make 25 bold predictions for Pokes“Oklahoma is home to some of the nation’s most outstanding student-athletes,” Stitt said in a statement. “This executive order ensures that these student-athletes have access to the same opportunities as their peers in other states. It’s about leveling the playing field and maintaining the competitive edge that defines Oklahoma athletics. This action is a critical step to protect Oklahoma’s student-athletes and ensures they have the opportunity to succeed on and off the field.”Stitt said the order accomplishes those goals while preventing taxpayer dollars from being used on NIL deals. The order allows for the creation of foundations that will act as clearinghouses for entities to contribute to NIL funds without fear of retaliation or investigation from athletic organizations, such as the NCAA, NAIA or athletic conferences.Stitt’s order will automatically expire upon the settlement of the federal NIL litigation or with the enactment of a federal law governing student-athlete payments.The executive order follows the passage last year of Senate Bill 1786, which allows Oklahoma universities to directly pay student-athletes for NIL use, should conference, NCAA or NAIA rules or changes in federal law, allow it. That bill, authored by state Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and carried in the Oklahoma House by Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, was signed by Stitt in April.More:What will 2025 bring for OU athletics? We make 25 bold predictions for the SoonersOU President Joseph Harroz and OSU President Kayse Shrum both issued statements late Thursday praising Stitt’s order.“At the University of Oklahoma, we are committed to a holistic approach to student-athlete development – one that prioritizes academic achievement, athletic excellence, and personal growth,” Harroz said. “This action strengthens our ability to recruit, retain and cultivate extraordinary talent, positioning our student-athletes for success in every aspect of their lives.“By empowering student-athletes to fully leverage the value of their name, image, and likeness, we are providing them with the tools and ability to excel during their time at the University of Oklahoma and in their future endeavors while also ensuring Oklahoma’s student-athletes can compete on a level playing field with their peers in other states.”Shrum said she is supportive of the goal of the order, “to make sure universities in Oklahoma field teams that are nationally competitive. Today’s executive order brings exciting possibilities for our institutions, our student-athletes and our fans.”

Stitt order aims to keep state's college athletic programs competitive in NIL space

Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order that will allow Oklahoma’s colleges and universities to facilitate direct payments to student-athletes for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), saying he needed to do so to allow the state’s athletic programs to remain competitive as federal and legal decisions surrounding NIL payments remain […]

Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order that will allow Oklahoma’s colleges and universities to facilitate direct payments to student-athletes for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), saying he needed to do so to allow the state’s athletic programs to remain competitive as federal and legal decisions surrounding NIL payments remain pending.

In the order issued late Thursday afternoon, Stitt noted the NCAA and some athletic conferences have reached an agreement in a federal lawsuit being heard in California that — if approved — would allow universities to provide direct payment to student-athletes for the use of their NIL. Until then, Stitt said an “inconsistent national landscape” has been created surrounding NIL and that could put Oklahoma’s universities at a competitive disadvantage.

More:What will 2025 bring for Oklahoma State athletics? We make 25 bold predictions for PokesShrum said she is supportive of the goal of the order, “to make sure universities in Oklahoma field teams that are nationally competitive. Today’s executive order brings exciting possibilities for our institutions, our student-athletes and our fans.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order designed to allow Oklahoma universities to facilitate direct payments to student-athletes for use of their name, image and likeness.

Complicating the issue, Stitt said in the order, is the state’s four NCAA Division I athletic programs compete in four different conferences — Oklahoma State University in the Big 12 Conference, the University of Oklahoma in the Southeastern Conference, Oral Roberts University in the Summit League and the University of Tulsa in the American Athletic Conference. That, he said, creates a risk of different conference rules applying to each postsecondary institution, thereby disproportionately disadvantaging certain postsecondary institutions.

“By empowering student-athletes to fully leverage the value of their name, image, and likeness, we are providing them with the tools and ability to excel during their time at the University of Oklahoma and in their future endeavors while also ensuring Oklahoma’s student-athletes can compete on a level playing field with their peers in other states.”Stitt’s order will automatically expire upon the settlement of the federal NIL litigation or with the enactment of a federal law governing student-athlete payments.

More:What will 2025 bring for OU athletics? We make 25 bold predictions for the SoonersStitt said the order accomplishes those goals while preventing taxpayer dollars from being used on NIL deals. The order allows for the creation of foundations that will act as clearinghouses for entities to contribute to NIL funds without fear of retaliation or investigation from athletic organizations, such as the NCAA, NAIA or athletic conferences.

State Sen. Kristen Thompson of Edmond authored legislation concerning name, image and likeness rules for Oklahoma universities last year.

OU President Joseph Harroz and OSU President Kayse Shrum both issued statements late Thursday praising Stitt’s order.The executive order follows the passage last year of Senate Bill 1786, which allows Oklahoma universities to directly pay student-athletes for NIL use, should conference, NCAA or NAIA rules or changes in federal law, allow it. That bill, authored by state Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and carried in the Oklahoma House by Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, was signed by Stitt in April.

“At the University of Oklahoma, we are committed to a holistic approach to student-athlete development – one that prioritizes academic achievement, athletic excellence, and personal growth,” Harroz said. “This action strengthens our ability to recruit, retain and cultivate extraordinary talent, positioning our student-athletes for success in every aspect of their lives.“Oklahoma is home to some of the nation’s most outstanding student-athletes,” Stitt said in a statement. “This executive order ensures that these student-athletes have access to the same opportunities as their peers in other states. It’s about leveling the playing field and maintaining the competitive edge that defines Oklahoma athletics. This action is a critical step to protect Oklahoma’s student-athletes and ensures they have the opportunity to succeed on and off the field.”