The Texas Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill Thursday that would allow college athletes in the state to be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness, as dozens of states across the country consider similar legislation.
Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who authored the bill, said allowing athletes to enter into these contracts would maintain recruiting competition for universities in the state as they wait for the NCAA or the federal government to approve national rules governing the issue.
“It is time for Texas to decide if we are or are not OK with sitting on the sidelines as other states around the country show that they value and respect college athletes from the state of Texas,” Creighton said on the Senate floor.
The NCAA Board of Governors had voted to allow players to be paid for their name or likeness in October 2019, but the Division I Council postponed a vote on specific rules in January as they continued discussions with the federal government over rules.
Experts say most athletes would not see a huge financial windfall from the changes, except for star football or basketball players.
Source: Texas Tribune / BY KATE MCGEE
The Texas Senate passed a bill Thursday that would allow college athlets in Texas to be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness. Credit: USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters Co