Bill to Change Oklahoma’s NIL Law Working Through Legislature…

Bill to Change Oklahoma’s NIL Law Working Through Legislature…

 

A new bill seeking to amend Oklahoma’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) law is making its way through the state Legislature, with the goal of giving universities and student-athletes more flexibility in the rapidly evolving world of college sports. Lawmakers and university officials say the proposed changes are necessary to keep Oklahoma schools competitive in recruiting and retaining top athletic talent.

The current NIL framework, enacted in 2021, allows college athletes in Oklahoma to earn money from endorsements, sponsorships, autographs, social media posts, and other personal branding opportunities. However, it also includes restrictions that universities say place them at a disadvantage compared to schools in other states with more permissive NIL policies.

The new bill, introduced by state lawmakers earlier this session, aims to loosen some of these restrictions. Most notably, it would allow university employees — including coaches and athletic department staff — to be more directly involved in facilitating NIL opportunities for athletes. Under the existing law, such involvement is limited or prohibited, creating a gray area that some schools worry could lead to NCAA scrutiny or a competitive imbalance.

“Oklahoma’s current NIL law was a good starting point, but we’ve learned a lot in the past few years,” said State Senator Greg McCortney, one of the bill’s sponsors. “This bill is about leveling the playing field and ensuring that our athletes and schools are not falling behind.”

Supporters argue that schools in states like Texas and Florida have fewer legal limitations, enabling their athletic departments to actively help athletes connect with potential sponsors. Without similar freedoms, Oklahoma institutions such as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University fear they may lose out on top recruits.

Athletic directors and university administrators have voiced strong support for the proposed changes. They believe the ability to guide student-athletes through NIL opportunities in a more hands-on way will help ensure compliance and promote positive outcomes.

“This isn’t about pay-for-play,” said Chad Weiberg, Oklahoma State’s Athletic Director. “It’s about education, structure, and helping our student-athletes succeed both on and off the field.”

 

Opponents of the bill caution against blurring the lines between amateur and professional athletics. Some lawmakers and education advocates are concerned that too much institutional involvement could undermine the core mission of collegiate sports and create additional pressures on athletes.

 

Even so, the momentum behind the bill appears strong. It has passed through initial committees and is expected to reach a full vote in the state House and Senate later this spring. If approved, the new law could go into effect before the start of the next athletic season.

 

As the NIL landscape continues to shift nationwide, Oklahoma lawmakers say they are committed to adapting. “This is about keeping our state competitive,” McCortney said. “Our athletes deserve the best possible support, and that means updating our laws to reflect the reality of modern college sports.”