Texas Senate Bill SB1817

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/3/25

Caption

Relating to the compensation and professional representation of prospective student athletes and student athletes participating in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, SB1817 would significantly alter the landscape of intercollegiate athletics in Texas by ensuring that student athletes have legal avenues to profit from their personal brand outside of their official team activities. This is a meaningful development considering the growing trend across the nation towards allowing student athletes financial opportunities that were previously restricted by NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) rules. The changes aim to provide a clearer and more supportive framework for student athletes, enhancing their ability to manage their professional representation effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 1817 proposes amendments to existing legislation regarding the rights of student athletes at institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill allows student athletes to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL) while participating in intercollegiate athletic programs. Importantly, it specifies that institutions cannot adopt policies that prevent athletes from receiving this compensation, thus affirming their rights to professional representation in contracts related to NIL. The bill also mandates disclosure requirements for any contracts athletes might enter into regarding the use of their names or images.

Contention

Notable discussions surrounding SB1817 may revolve around the balance of competitive equity in college sports, particularly regarding how various schools and institutions handle NIL compensation. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could disadvantage smaller programs that might not afford to match compensation offers from larger institutions, leading to concerns about fairness and access. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about potential conflicts between institutional contracts and athlete agreements, particularly regarding marketing and commercial sponsorships that could arise from the new compensatory rights granted to student athletes.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
  • Section: 9246
  • Section: New Section