Louisiana Colleges, Boosters Could Soon Pay Student-Athletes, Recruits Directly
Legislation that would allow Louisiana universities and their deep-pocketed supporters to pay student-athletes directly moved one step closer to the governor’s desk Wednesday.
Senate Bill 250, authored by Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, would allow colleges, universities, their affiliates and boosters to compensate student-athletes for use of their name, image and likeness. The proposal advanced out of the House Education Committee without objection Wednesday morning.
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The bill would put Louisiana “in line” with the other states that have passed similar legislation, Connick said. The bill doesn’t allow “pay-for-play” payment arrangements between schools and student-athletes, he said.
The bill was also amended in committee to include that name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts between companies and student-athletes that are shared with the school shall remain private and confidential.
The legislation would also allow colleges and universities to directly pay prospective collegiate athletes. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association recently voted to allow high school students to profit off their name, image and likeness.
The bill would also allow athletic boosters, or “representatives of an institution’s athletic interests,” to directly or indirectly facilitate compensation for student-athletes. Connick said the change would put Louisiana’s NIL laws “in line with the other states that are doing this.”
Student- athletes are still barred from making money off endorsements of tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances or activities, banned substances or any form of sports betting.
The bill moves to the House floor for a full vote, where it will move to the governor’s desk if passed.
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