Washington, DC — Members of the US Senate are considering more closely regulating the Name, Image, Likeness policies that are making big changes in the lives of top college athletes, including a women’s basketball star at the University of Iowa.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says there are at least three NIL-related bills now being considered and the topic has been the subject of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
Under recent rule changes, college athletes are allowed to be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness through various marketing and promotional pursuits. Grassley, a Republican, says he hasn’t yet made up his mind about the issue and how it may impact the future of college sports.
University of Iowa women’s basketball standout Caitlin Clark recently signed with Nike and State Farm to do paid advertising. Bronny James, the son of NBA star Lebron James, reportedly has an NIL valuation of more than seven million dollars. From what he’s seen so far, Grassley says the NIL policies can help — or hurt — college sports programs.
Grassley says there needs to be a “level playing field” so universities with lesser resources aren’t impacted by others.
