College Athlete Economic Freedom Act

This bill gives college athletes clear rights to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Schools and athletic groups cannot block these deals, collude to cap payments, or punish athletes for hiring agents or lawyers. Athletes can form groups to negotiate, and any use of a team’s group NIL (like in media deals) must be licensed, with the school disclosing how it will use the group’s NIL and how much it will make from it. Getting NIL money cannot hurt a student’s scholarship eligibility or renewal . Schools and their NIL “collectives” must offer support fairly across sports, genders, and races, register with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and file annual reports with data on deals and dollars. Title IX equity is considered in how schools support NIL opportunities . The Commerce Department may fund yearly studies on NIL pay and publish findings, including pay estimates by gender, race, and sport, plus recommendations to close gaps .

International college athletes get clear permission to do NIL activities. Their visas will not be harmed by NIL work, and the Department of Homeland Security must authorize this work and provide proof of work eligibility. If courts or agencies ever say college athletes are “employees,” international athletes can still keep their status and be paid like others. A school official’s endorsement on the student’s I‑20 can serve as proof they can work on NIL. The FTC can enforce these rules (including against nonprofits), athletes can sue over violations, and breaking this law counts as a per se violation of antitrust law. Federal rules override state NIL laws, except states may still certify athlete agents. Scholarships remain treated the same for tax purposes .

• Who is affected: college athletes (including recruits and international students), schools, athletic associations, NIL collectives, and third parties that make NIL deals .
• What changes: athlete NIL rights are protected; group licensing and fair support are required; annual public reporting and federal studies on NIL; FTC enforcement and private lawsuits allowed; federal rules preempt most state NIL laws; visa/work authorization clarified for international athletes .