Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) and Rep. Perry Stambaugh (R-Perry/Juniata) announced they will soon introduce legislation to provide protections for student-athletes receiving compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL).
While a case currently wending through federal courts will likely expand the NIL universe, no state legal structure exists. This leaves compensated student-athletes vulnerable to poor financial decisions and without recourse if they should become injured during their career.
“NIL is one of the most dynamic and evolving spaces in the national sports market that has become a life-changing positive for many student-athletes and families. As the NIL landscape continues to advance at the federal level, it is appropriate for state legal supplements to ensure student-athletes are protected at a vulnerable time in their lives,” Topper said.
“Our legislation will ensure that students have the financial education and protection available to safeguard their NIL assets while giving them the opportunity to save NIL earnings should they become injured or otherwise incapable of pursuing their athletic career,” he added.
According to the recently filed co-sponsorship memo in advance of the introduction of formal legislation, the Topper-Stambaugh NIL proposal would require institutions of higher education to offer all student-athletes the option to place a portion of their revenue sharing or NIL earnings into trust accounts. The institutions may partner with established financial firms experienced in educational trust management to minimize administrative overhead. The accounts would have the following features:
- Funds become fully accessible upon graduation or departure from the university.
- Limited hardship withdrawals permitted with appropriate oversight.
- Professional investment management with transparent reporting.
- Opt-in structure that preserves athlete autonomy while encouraging responsible financial planning.
In addition, colleges and universities would be mandated to provide financial literacy education and resources to their student-athletes.
“In the new ‘Wild, Wild West’ of collegiate athletics that NIL has spawned, helping protect student-athletes from financial harm or exploitation is a solid first step states should take,” Stambaugh added. “As the landscape surrounding NIL evolves, Pennsylvania will be studying changes and enacting policies to ensure our colleges and universities can remain competitive.”
CLICK HERE to view the co-sponsorship memo related to this legislation.
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