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Bill

H 4902

Intercollegiate Athletes' Compensation for Name, Image, or Likeness

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bruce Bannister and 17 co-sponsors

Bill authorizes South Carolina college athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness while remaining eligible competitors, but was vetoed by Governor.

Act No. 119
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Bill Summary · H 4902

Legislative bill overview

H 4902 permits South Carolina intercollegiate athletes to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) while maintaining their amateur status and eligibility. The bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support but was ultimately vetoed by the Governor in March 2026.

Why this is important

NIL compensation has become a significant issue in college athletics nationally, with athletes seeking to monetize their personal brands while competing. South Carolina's attempt to regulate this matter reflects broader tensions between athlete rights, institutional control, and the commercialization of college sports that directly affects thousands of student-athletes in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Competitive balance concerns: Allowing NIL compensation could create recruiting advantages for well-funded programs over smaller institutions, potentially widening existing disparities in college athletics
  • Amateurism definitions: The bill must carefully distinguish between legitimate NIL deals and prohibited pay-for-play arrangements that would fundamentally alter the amateur status of college sports
  • Institutional oversight: Disagreement exists over whether universities, the state, or the NCAA should regulate and enforce NIL rules, with concerns about compliance monitoring and rule violations

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

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