Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a groundbreaking measure into law that permits state colleges and universities to directly pay their athletes through name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation deals. This law, set to take effect on July 1, is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States.
The NCAA recently eased some of its NIL restrictions, but reiterated its stance against pay-for-play and schools compensating student-athletes for the use of their NIL. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel suggested that other states may follow Virginia's lead, with pending legislation in states like Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Louisiana.
