Two Kentucky lawmakers say they will file a bill allowing student athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness (NIL) during next year's legislative session.
The move comes amid increased pressure for elected officials and the NCAA to allow players to profit from their contributions to the multi-billion-dollar college athletics industry.
Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order last week allowing student athletes to do just that starting July 1—meaning players can profit off endorsements, sponsorships, autographs, appearances and other ventures
Sen. Morgan McGarvey, a Democrat from Louisville, and Sen. Max Wise, a Republican from Campbellsville, want to go beyond the governor's order and pass the policy into law.
McGarvey said they plan to file a bill during next year's legislative session.
"This just gives the students the ability to have some control over their own name, image and likeness. This is not a guaranteed moneymaker for student athletes. This is just something that if they want to be able to market themselves for what they do, they’ll have that ability," McGarvey said.
At least 19 states have passed some form of name, image, likeness legislation. The movement has picked up steam in recent months as states and universities fear getting left behind in the competition for college recruits.
And as states enact a patchwork of NIL laws, pressure is increasing for Congress to pass national legislation.
Kentucky is one of eight states with NIL laws that will go into effect July 1.
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