Ohio Senate Passes Antani Bill to Legalize College Athletes Earning Compensation for their Name, Image, and Likeness

COLUMBUS – Today, Senate Bill 187 sponsored by State Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) passed out of the Ohio Senate with a vote of 33-0. The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives where it need passage before reaching the Governor’s desk. SB 187 legalizes college athletes earning compensation from their name, image, and likeness. The bill prohibits any college, university, or intercollegiate athletic association from preventing a student from participating in athletics or otherwise punishing them as a result of earning this compensation. “Student athletes are now much closer to having restored their right to their own name, image, and likeness,” Antani said. “This bill has the potential to significantly change the lives of these student athletes forever, and I am grateful for my Senate colleagues for passing my bill.” Under the bill, student athletes will be permitted to obtain professional representation and enter into contracts for endorsements. The student athlete is required to inform their college or university of contracts they enter into. Student athletes will be prohibited from entering into contracts where they will be associated with casinos.