Wisconsin Senate Bill SB939

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Name, image, and likeness compensation for students at institutions of higher education.

Impact

Should SB939 be enacted, it would significantly change how institutions of higher education manage student athlete compensation. The bill explicitly prohibits institutions from preventing student athletes or organization members from receiving compensation. Additionally, any contracts related to NIL must not conflict with existing student contracts or policies, and athletes could be required to disclose such agreements to institutional officials. The bill sets a precedent for universities in regulating NIL compensation, ensuring transparency and fair treatment for student athletes.

Summary

Senate Bill 939 addresses the topic of compensation for student athletes regarding their name, image, and likeness (NIL) when engaging with institutions of higher education in Wisconsin. The bill aims to ensure that student athletes and members of student organizations can receive remuneration for the use of their NIL. It specifies that institutional regulations must not obstruct a student’s right to earn compensation based on their name, image, or likeness. Importantly, any financial benefits derived from such compensation will not impact the student’s eligibility for scholarships offered by their institutions.

Contention

Opposition to the bill may arise from concerns over its implications for established college sports traditions and the potential for unequal benefits among student athletes. Critics worry this could create a disparity in how different athletes across various sports may capitalize on their NIL, potentially leading to recruitment and financial inequalities. The requirement for students to inform their institutions about NIL contracts also raises issues concerning student privacy and institutional oversight, which could pose challenges for both athletes and universities.