Ohio NIL rules could change

(The Center Square) – Two Ohio lawmakers want to clean up the state’s laws on how college athletes can be compensated.

The potential legislation is expected to bridge the gap between the NIL Collective and state colleges and universities and allow schools to directly participate in paying student-athletes.

The bill, introduced by state Reps. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, and Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, awaits a bill number and committee assignment.

“Our flagship universities compete to recruit the best athletes in the country,” Mathews said. “This bill enables our students to have schools and organizations working together to provide them with the best legal guidance and platforms to succeed on and off the field.”

While lawmakers have previously tried to address NIL issues in the state, no potential legislation has passed the House and Senate.

“Our goal is to continue to allow Ohio’s student athletes and universities to compete in the new, ever-expanding, world of NIL,” Edwards said.

Gov. Mike DeWine issued an executive order in 2021 that established NIL responsibilities for colleges and universities in the state.

That order prohibited schools from upholding any rule that prevents student-athletes from being paid for their name, image or likeness. It also said a scholarship is not the same as compensation for NIL, and it allows schools to establish “reasonable” policies or standards.

In May 2022, Ohio High School Athletic Association member schools overwhelmingly voted down, 538-254, an association proposal that would have allowed high school student-athletes to sign endorsement agreements.

The proposal mirrored recent college-NIL rules. The plan, though, would not have allowed team, school or the OHSAA logo to be used. Also, endorsements would not have been permitted on school property or in school uniforms, and it would have banned companies that dealt with casinos, gambling, alcohol, drugs and tobacco.