Gov. Wolf, Penn State Tout PA NIL Law For College Athletes

Pittsburgh PA

12 July, 2021

1:38 PM

Description

STATE COLLEGE, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf, Penn State officials and athletes at the university gathered Monday to tout the benefits of a new state law permitting students who play collegiate sports that ability to profit off of their name, image and likeness. The measure that Wolf signed into law last month allows student athletes to continue competing while earning money from their name, image or likeness - or what has become commonly known across the country as their NIL. "Pennsylvania is home to many outstanding student athletes who devote countless hours of their time, effort, and passion to achievement both in the classroom and on the field," Wolf said. "This new chapter for athletes across Pennsylvania will allow collegiate athletes to finally earn compensation for endorsements without sacrifice to the sport they have dedicated much of their lives to play." The new law's passage came rapidly after the NCAA last month ended the decades-old practice of prohibiting money-making opportunities for student athletes. That policy change came quickly after the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that NCAA regulations restricting education-related benefits were illegal. While the state law does allow student athletes to benefit from their NIL, and earn money from sponsorships and investments, it does not permit them to be paid to play a sport. Additionally, student athletes can't be compensated for associating with the alcohol, gambling or tobacco industries and universities will be permitted to nix sponsorship deals that compete with sponsorships held by the schools. Penn State President Eric Barron nonetheless voiced approval for the steps the new legislation does take. "Our student athletes are an impressive group, and it's our responsibility to do everything possible to ensure their success beyond college," he said. "Name, image and likeness rights is an important step in realizing that goal. And we appreciate that Pennsylvania has enacted a bill that gives student athletes the ability to earn compensation based on their NIL." Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe