Stewart Introduces Legislation to Protect Students Entering into Name, Image, and Likeness Contracts

COLUMBUS– State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) recently introduced legislation to add long-term protections for student-athletes who enter into a name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract. 

Specifically, under the bill, agents cannot include terms in a collegiate NIL agreement that binds the student athlete to retain the agent beyond their eligibility as a college athlete. The bill also provides that a collegiate NIL agreement cannot contain a term which affects the athletes earnings after college.

“It’s important that we have safeguards in this name image likeness era that protect the future earning capabilities of student athletes who move on to play sports professionally,” said Stewart. “We’ve seen this become an issue in other states, and this is our proactive approach to prevent it from becoming a problem in Ohio.”

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) issued a statement of support for the legislation. 

“The NFLPA commends the efforts of Representative Stewart in introducing this NIL legislation. Advocating for player protections is the foundation of our Union, and the player protections included in this legislation will help keep college athletes from predatory contracts and bad actors.”

The legislation awaits a bill number and committee assignment.