NC senate bill would allow state's college athletes to benefit from name, image and likeness

A bill introduced Thursday in the N.C. Senate would allow the state's college athletes to financially benefit from their name, image and likeness while in school, and be able to hire an agent beginning in 2023.

The bill, co-sponsored by state Sen. Wiley Nickel (D-Wake) and Sen. Paul A. Lowe (D-Forsyth), also would create a study commission on student-athlete compensation and a "fair and equitable system" of compensation.

If passed by the General Assembly, the portion of Senate Bill 759 concerning name, image and likeness would become effective July 1, 2023. An 18-person study committee, representing the state Senate and House, would be authorized by July 1, 2020 and report its findings and recommendations in the 2021 regular session of the General Assembly.

The introduction of the bill comes at a time when NCAA leaders have been grappling with the sticky issue of name, image and likeness, and an athlete benefiting from his or her marketability.

In April, the NCAA board of governors approved changes that would allow athletes to profit off personal endorsements without losing eligibility while in school. The new rules must be approved by the NCAA's three divisions, and a January 2021 deadline has been set for approval.

If passed, the new rules would go into effect in the 2021-22 school year.

The NCAA action came after several state legislatures had passed laws that would allow athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness. California has passed a Fair Pay to Play Act which will go into effect in Jan. 1, 2023.

Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) also has introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives on the name, image and likeness issue, saying it would "save the college sports we love by creating equity, transparency and opportunity."

The new NCAA rule would allow endorsements as well as athletes being paid for such involvement as social media and personal appearances. Schools will not be allowed to pay their athletes for any name, image and likeness activities.

The state senate bill introduced Thursday in the General Assembly would prohibit the NCAA from suspending a school or athlete who is compensated.