Agents who negotiate NIL deals for college and high school athletes would have to be registered with the state under legislation approved by the Senate Commerce Committee. Assistant Attorney General Olivia Nuss says this legislation modernizes student-agent laws to address the rapid growth of NIL endorsement deals.
“This new class of rogue agents; it could be a cousin, a neighbor, a friend who just graduated, who thinks they can negotiate a contract on these athletes’ behalf with no preparation and really, no knowledge,” Nuss said.
The bill ensures that “agents” who represent student athletes are registered with the state, undergo a background check and provide full disclosure of fees and compensation. Legendary high school football coach J.T. Curtis of John Curtis High School agrees that individuals representing college and high school athletes should be registered.
“Through some type of qualification, so that a parent can directly address the issue and have some assurance that this person has some qualification,” Curtis said.
The measure also creates civil remedies for athletes harmed by unethical individuals who negotiate an NIL deal. Curtis says he’s seen athletes who were taken advantage by people they thought were looking out for their best interests while negotiating NIL deals.
“They’ve been lied to. They’ve been told the grandeur of what is available without any expertise and understanding law, with understanding contract,” Curtis noted.
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.
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