Texas House Bill HB1710

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of HB 1710 are significant. By allowing student athletes to profit from their personal brand without jeopardizing their scholarships or status, the bill aligns with recent trends in college athletics where athletes have sought more control and compensation for their contributions. This act is seen as a critical step toward modernizing policies regarding student athlete rights and ensuring they can participate fully in the expanding landscape of college sports financialization.

Summary

House Bill 1710 focuses on the compensation and professional representation of student athletes at public and private institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill specifically prohibits these institutions from enforcing policies that limit a student athlete’s ability to earn compensation for their name, image, or likeness when not engaged in official team activities. It also allows student athletes to obtain professional representation, such as representation by athlete agents or attorneys, concerning contracts or legal matters.

Contention

Despite its supportive reception, the bill has drawn attention and contention from various stakeholders. Advocates argue that it empowers student athletes and recognizes their contribution to college sports revenue, while critics voice concerns about potential exploitation and the undermining of amateurism in college athletics. Some fear that allowing such compensation could lead to inequalities among athletes based on their marketability, thus creating disparities between those who can attract sponsors and those who cannot.