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Bill

LC 1917

Remove prohibition on certain compensation for collegiate student-athlete's name/image/likeness

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill removes prohibition on collegiate athlete compensation for name, image, and likeness rights, aligning state law with NCAA and national trends.

(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
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Bill Summary · LC 1917

Legislative bill overview

LC 1917 proposes to remove Montana's current prohibition on compensation for collegiate student-athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. This would align Montana law with the significant shift in NCAA rules and other states that now permit student-athletes to monetize their personal brands through endorsements and other NIL deals.

Why is this important

The NIL landscape changed dramatically starting in 2021 when the NCAA relaxed restrictions, and many states have since legalized NIL compensation. Montana's current prohibition puts its student-athletes at a competitive disadvantage compared to peers at out-of-state universities who can earn from endorsements, social media, and appearance fees. This bill addresses whether Montana institutions can compete for talent and whether student-athletes should have the same commercial rights as their counterparts nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Academic integrity concerns: Some may worry that allowing NIL compensation could blur lines between athletic recruitment and academic standards, or create pressure on athletes to prioritize earnings over education
  • Competitive imbalance among schools: Well-funded programs may attract top talent through larger NIL deals, potentially widening performance gaps between larger and smaller Montana institutions
  • Tax and regulatory framework: The bill may lack detail on how NIL income is taxed, reported, and monitored for compliance with NCAA rules and state regulations

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

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