Ohio lawmakers approved a new law allowing Ohio universities to pay student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This change helps Ohio teams stay competitive in recruiting, especially with the College Football Playoff and bowl games approaching.
The legislation follows a $2.78 billion settlement that enables universities to pay athletes directly. It also provides nearly $2.6 billion in compensation to athletes dating back to 2016, shifting NIL control from third-party groups to universities.
Each university will have a cap of $21.5 million for NIL payments in the first year. While schools aren’t required to reach this amount, programs like Ohio State are expected to do so to remain competitive.
Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order for NIL payments, but lawmakers passed more binding changes. The new law allows revenue sharing, lets athletes hire agents, and sets limits on using university logos or facilities for NIL deals.
The NIL changes were part of House Bill 315, which received bipartisan support. Athletic directors from Ohio State and the University of Cincinnati backed the law, citing the need to provide clearer rules for managing NIL deals and preventing exploitation.
