The landscape of college athletics is shifting fast as state legislatures step in to regulate name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. After years of heated debate and courtroom drama, we’re now in an era where student-athletes can finally profit from their own brands.
The latest episode of State of Play, a bipartisan video series by A Starting Point and NCSL, features Virginia Sen. Mamie Locke and Tennessee Sen. John Stevens. They dive into the tangled web of NIL rights, compensation, and fairness in college sports.
These conversations spark a lot of questions. Who gets paid? Who decides the rules? And what does it all mean for the future of college sports?
The Evolution of NIL Rights
Just four years ago, student-athletes couldn’t get any compensation for their NIL rights while in college. That changed when the NCAA shifted its rules and states started passing new laws, opening the door for sponsorship deals.
By July 2025, 32 states will have laws on the books regulating NIL rights. In places without specific laws, the NCAA tells universities to make their own rules, which means every state—and sometimes every school—can be different.
The Role of State Legislatures
State lawmakers have become key players in shaping NIL rights. Sen. John Stevens says athletes deserve compensation when their image is broadcast, calling out the NCAA’s old system as basically exploitative.
He points out that the NCAA sold broadcast rights and pocketed the profits, never sharing with players. In his view, that’s a kind of price-fixing—at least from an antitrust perspective.
Sen. Mamie Locke sees it a bit differently. She’s for compensation, but she worries young athletes might rush into big deals without understanding the risks.
Locke thinks it’s vital to keep a balance between being a student and an athlete. She urges more awareness about what these new opportunities really mean.
Federal vs. State Regulation
Who should be in charge of NIL rules—the states or Washington? That’s still up for debate. Stevens isn’t buying the idea of “amateurism” in today’s sports, noting that both the Olympics and NCAA have moved past that label.
He argues, if organizations don’t want to pay players, maybe they shouldn’t be broadcasting games at all. Sounds harsh, but it’s a point worth considering.
The Case for State Regulation
Locke leans toward state-level oversight, especially since federal attempts like the SCORE Act seem uncertain. She thinks states know what’s best for their own student-athletes and should set the rules accordingly.
As Locke puts it, “The federal government cannot preempt states,” so it’s up to the states to look out for their students.
The Impact on Student-Athletes
Being able to profit from NIL rights opens a lot of doors for student-athletes. They can finally make money off their own names and images, which is a huge step toward financial independence.
For many, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, this could be life-changing. It’s a chance to get some well-deserved recognition—and a paycheck.
Challenges and Concerns
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Young athletes might not be ready for big-money deals or complicated contracts.
If they don’t get the right guidance, they could make choices that haunt them for years. Plus, the lure of cash might distract from classes or practice—raising real questions about what it means to be a “student-athlete.”
The Future of College Athletics
With more states passing laws and universities scrambling to keep up, college athletics is in for even more changes. Honestly, no one really knows where it’s all headed.
The hope is to strike a balance—let student-athletes benefit from their hard work, but make sure they’re supported as they navigate this new world. That’s easier said than done, but it’s a conversation worth having.
The regulation of NIL rights for student-athletes is honestly a tangled topic. There are so many moving parts, and every decision seems to spark a new debate.
State legislatures are still figuring it out. Lawmakers like Sen. Mamie Locke and Sen. John Stevens have a lot to say, and their voices matter in shaping what comes next.
If you want to dive deeper, you can check out the full discussion on state lawmakers tackling NIL rights for student-athletes.
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