Colorado, Montana, Utah Advance Bills Allowing Direct NIL Payments to College Athletes

Recent legislative efforts across several states aim to allow colleges to compensate student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). In Colorado, House Bill 1041 passed the House with overwhelming support and now moves to the Senate, seeking to enable institutions like CU and CSU to offer direct compensation as NCAA regulations evolve. Similarly, Montana's Senate Bill No. 271 has advanced, aiming to eliminate restrictions on direct compensation to student-athletes, building on prior legislation that allowed them to earn from their personal brand. Utah has also introduced legislation, with H.B. 449 passing through the House Education Committee, which would allow direct payments to athletes, a move seen as essential for maintaining competitiveness in college sports. This wave of legislation responds to the anticipated House vs. NCAA settlement, which could permit substantial revenue sharing among universities. However, questions remain regarding compliance with Title IX and ensuring equitable treatment of all student-athletes.