Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gov. Whitmer signs bill approving name, image and likeness rights for college athletes

December 30, 2020
Michigan State's Liz Shimek (52) and Lindsay Bowen celebrate after beating Tennessee 68-64 in a national semifinal game at the NCAA Women's Final Four Sunday, April 3, 2005, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
Michigan State's Liz Shimek (52) and Lindsay Bowen celebrate after beating Tennessee 68-64 in a national semifinal game at the NCAA Women's Final Four Sunday, April 3, 2005, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke) —

After much debate, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation approving a path for student-athletes in Michigan to receive compensation for name, image and likeness (NIL) rights.

A bipartisan duo of bills, the pieces of legislation will allow student-athletes to use their NIL to benefit financially for the first time — an idea that has been approved in other states and by the NCAA.

The pair of bills, House Bill 5217 and 5218, will take effect on Dec. 31, 2022.

"For years we have all enjoyed the incredible talent of young athletes across the state," Whitmer said in a release. "This legislation will change the lives of young men and women for years to come."

The legislation will allow athletes to accept specific endorsement deals, hire an agent — which previously would disqualify an athlete from returning after entering their name into the NBA Draft — and accept gifts offered to them or a student-athlete's family.

According to the release, athletes must disclose any contracts to their school prior to signing it.

Student-athletes, under the new laws, cannot enter into an apparel contract that conflicts with those of the school they compete for.

"At its core, this legislation is to ensure student-athletes in Michigan area treated fairly and they are able to have fulfilling college experience," Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, who sponsored a piece of the legislation, said in the release. "I am proud of the opportunity to work on getting this legislation across the finish line."

In October 2019, the NCAA Board of Governors ruled that it would allow collegiate athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness once its three divisions lay the groundwork for how athletes can do so.

Of note is HB 5218, which repeals a section of the Penal Code that prohibits agents from signing with athletes before their eligibility expires.

Michigan is among one of the first states to pass and sign legislation surrounding the compensation of student-athletes. Whitmer called upon the NCAA to set a national standard so that all states can follow in the Great Lakes state's footsteps.

“It’s high time that collegiate players are respected and compensated for the talents that they’ve spent their entire lives trying to perfect,” Joique Bell, a former running back with the Detroit Lions and Wayne State University said in the release. “I’ve always supported the efforts to protect the best interests of athletes, especially those with tremendous abilities who play at all levels of the NCAA.” 

Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.

Discussion

Share and discuss “Gov. Whitmer signs bill approving name, image and likeness rights for college athletes” on social media.