• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here
Law

As NCAA Threatens More NIL Regulation, States Back Off

  • Some state NIL laws prohibit things that could help schools with recruiting.
  • As a result, many states are loosening NIL laws or repealing them, just as the NCAA appears to be getting stricter.
Jenna Watson/IndyStar

Last week, the NCAA announced revised NIL guidelines meant to discourage schools and boosters from using deals as recruiting inducements — and said some programs could be subject to investigation.

But while the governing body attempts to exercise more regulation over NIL, another group is doing the exact opposite: state legislatures.

Since 2019, 24 states have passed NIL laws, according to a Bloomberg tally. 

Originally, the laws were put in place to ensure that athletes could participate in NIL even if the NCAA didn’t change its own policy. Now it’s clear that some laws prohibit moves that could help schools with recruiting — like the ability for athletic department staff to arrange deals for athletes.

Many states are now repealing or amending their laws to help their local schools:

  • In February, Alabama became the first state to fully repeal its law.
  • An amendment to Missouri’s law allowing schools to arrange deals was passed last week and awaits the governor’s signature.
  • Mississippi passed a similar amendment.
  • Legislators in Florida are considering loosening their restrictions, as well.

Enforcement Conundrum

As the Bloomberg article pointed out, it’s unclear how states plan to police deals that violate their own laws. So far, none have publicly punished schools or athletes for NIL activity.

It may not behoove them to reprimand their own local schools and athletes, either. That alone could make a state look like a less-than-friendly destination for an athlete seeking deals.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sankey

SEC’s Sankey Blasts NCAA Plan to Allow Pro Sports Betting

NCAA athletes can bet on professional sports starting Nov. 1.

SEC Coaches Kiffin, Smart Question LSU’s Firing of Kelly: ‘Ridiculous’ 

Three SEC teams have fired their football coaches midseason.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks to an audience at Louisiana Tech University on Aug. 25, 2025.

Why Louisiana’s Governor Was Involved in the Brian Kelly Firing

Jeff Landry reportedly hosted a meeting at the governor’s mansion Sunday.
Brian Kelly

CFB Firings Tracker: LSU Owes Brian Kelly $53 Million

The sum owed Kelly slightly tops James Franklin’s at Penn State. 

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.

The $80 Million F1 ‘Crashgate’ Case Heads to Court

Massa placed second to Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 drivers’ championship.
Rozier
October 23, 2025

Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups Will Fight Gambling Cases

Both disputed prosecutors’ versions of events Thursday night.
Terry Rozier
October 24, 2025

NBA Strongly Denies Quietly Suspending Terry Rozier in 2023

Brian Windhorst appeared to walk back his comments Friday morning.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Chicago Bulls
October 23, 2025

NBA Betting Scandal Goes Far Beyond Terry Rozier and Damon Jones

A federal indictment suggests information about several teams was being sold.
Billups
October 23, 2025

Chauncey Billups Played Key Role in Elaborate Poker Fraud, FBI Says

Billups and Jones attracted victims to play rigged games, the FBI says.
LeBron James
October 23, 2025

Read the Terry Rozier ‘NBA Insider Trading’ Indictment

Rozier and Damon Jones are accused of selling inside information.
Chauncey Billups
October 23, 2025

Read the Chauncey Billups ‘Rigged’ Poker Indictment

Billups is accused of involvement in a rigged poker game.