The California State Assembly passed a bill that would allow college athletes to sign endorsement deals. The proposed law would allow college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness.
SB 206, the Fair Pay To Play Act, cleared the Assembly by a vote of 72-0. A version of the bill passed the Senate by a similarly decisive vote in May.
The bill, if it becomes law, would go into effect January 1, 2023. Though none of the bill’s provisions involve schools paying athletes directly, it would prohibit schools in California from revoking scholarships or scholarship eligibility from athletes who profit off their own name, image and likeness.
College athletes in California would be able to sign endorsement deals; earn compensation based on the usage of their name, image and likeness; and sign licensing contracts that would allow them to earn money.They would also be able to hire an agent licensed by the state to represent them in any deals. The bill is expected to reach the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
