Ohio Sports Community Officials Support Mathews' NIL Legislation

COLUMBUS— Members of Ohio’s collegiate sports community are showing support for House Bill 660, legislation to strengthen Name, Image & Likeness laws in the state, announced Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon). 

On Tuesday, Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation – Eugene Smith Endowed Director of Athletics at the Ohio State University testified in support of the bill to the members of the Civil Justice Committee. 

“This bill sends a strong signal that the state of Ohio will continue to be a leader in collegiate athletics,” said Bjork. “I have spoken to many of my Ohio AD colleagues, and they feel the same way.” 

University of Cincinnati Athletic Director John Cunningham and Association of Independent Colleges and University of Ohio President Todd Jones are also vocalizing support for House Bill 660. 

“What House Bill 660 does is provide us and our student-athletes clarity in this constantly evolving ecosystem,” said Cunningham. “Allowing university athletic departments to bring NIL operations in-house provides protection and accountability not present in the current framework.”

House Bill 660 awaits its next hearing.