CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday signed into law the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act, SB 2338.
The new law allows student-athletes to sign individual endorsement deals while enrolled at a college or university after an NCAA advisory board Monday recommended the organization lift such restrictions.
“With this law, Illinois will lead the United States in giving student-athletes the opportunity to sign endorsement deals of their own,” said Pritzker. “Illinois collegiate student-athletes — no matter the sport and no matter the division — can take control of their own destiny when it comes to their own name, image, likeness, and voice.”
The University of Illinois and DePaul University are establishing programs to help students take advantage of the new law.
Bradley University Senior Associate AD for Communications and Event & Facility Operations Bobby Parker commended the work done by legislators.
“With so many states enacting legislation related to name, image and likeness, it is important that our Bradley student-athletes are not put at a disadvantage compared to their colleagues across the country,” said Parker.
“The well-being of our student-athletes is our top priority and these name, image and likeness opportunities will help Bradley University student-athletes maximize their experience on campus and help them prepare for life beyond college athletics.”
The new law goes into effect July 1, meaning student-athletes can begin signing endorsement deals with community businesses or large corporations.
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