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HB 6206

Higher education: other; name, image, and likeness contract regulations; provide for. Amends 2020 PA 366 (MCL 390.1731 - 390.1741) by adding sec. 6a.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Tate

Michigan law now requires NIL contracts for student athletes to end at eligibility and be governed by Michigan law with disputes resolved in Michigan.

bill electronically reproduced 07/03/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 6206

Summary of HB 6206 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

  • The bill adds a new section (Sec. 6a) to 2020 PA 366, which governs name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student athletes in Michigan.
  • It is designed to regulate contracts that provide compensation for NIL by ensuring such contracts do not extend beyond eligibility, and that dispute resolution and governance stay within Michigan, among other protections.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition on long-term NIL contracts

    • A student athlete cannot enter into a contract that compensates them for NIL if the contract:
    • Remains in effect after the student is no longer eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics.
    • Requires compensation or use of NIL beyond the date the athlete is no longer eligible.
    • Requires any dispute resolution (litigation/arbitration) to occur outside Michigan.

  • Restrictions on athlete agents

    • An athlete agent may not enter into an agent contract with a student athlete if the contract would remain in effect after the athlete is no longer eligible for intercollegiate athletics.
    • A fee agreement may not require the student athlete to provide:
    • Compensation after eligibility ends for NIL use.
    • Rights to NIL after eligibility ends.

  • Jurisdiction and governing law

    • Contracts that provide NIL compensation must require dispute resolution in Michigan and be governed by Michigan law.

  • Contract compliance and transfer considerations

    • Contracts involving NIL compensation must comply with Sec. 6a.
    • If a student transfers from an out-of-state institution to a Michigan postsecondary institution, and the NIL contract is in effect on transfer and continues at the new institution, the contract must comply with Sec. 6a (assuming both NIL compensation and ongoing effect).

  • Contract validity

    • A contract entered into in violation of Sec. 6a is void.

  • Definitions (for clarity)

    • Athlete agent: A person who recruits, solicits, or procures employment or compensation related to professional sports or opportunities; excludes a close family member.
    • Compensation: Money, thing of value, or financial benefit.
    • Intercollegiate athletics: Sports with eligibility requirements governed by an athletic association, conference, or organization.
    • Name, image, and likeness: Any aspect with commercial value (name, voice, signature, photograph, likeness, etc.).
    • Student athlete: An individual who participates in or is eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics, excluding intramural participants and professional athletes.

Affected parties and scope

  • Student athletes in Michigan pursuing intercollegiate athletics.
  • Athlete agents representing Michigan student athletes.
  • Postsecondary educational institutions in Michigan.
  • Contracts involving NIL compensation for Michigan student athletes (and in transfers from out-of-state institutions, if applicable).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform (as of July 3, 2026) with sponsor Rep. Joe Tate.
  • Effective date: Not specified in the text provided; would follow enactment after passage, with all provisions taking effect upon law or as specified by the enacted statute.

Practical impact

  • Strengthens protections to ensure NIL deals for Michigan student athletes terminate with their eligibility.
  • EnsuresMichigan-based dispute resolution and law govern NIL-related agreements.
  • Adds safeguards against long-term financial commitments and post-eligibility obligations tied to NIL.
  • Could influence how athlete representation agreements are drafted and negotiated, promoting contracts that terminate with eligibility and stay within Michigan jurisdiction.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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