Louisiana universities could soon be allowed to pay student-athletes directly

Lawmaker says NIL changes needed for recruiting

By: JC Canicosa - April 7, 2022 4:06 pm

LSU’s Tiger Stadium (Photo by Julie O’Donoghue / Louisiana Illuminator)

Last year Louisiana jumped on the bandwagon to allow college sports stars to benefit financially from their name, image and likeness through endorsement deals. Now state leaders want to follow suit and allow schools to pay their student-athletes directly.

Senate Bill 250, authored by Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, would allow colleges, universities and university affiliates in Louisiana to compensate student-athletes. The proposal advanced out of the Senate Education Committee without objection Thursday.

The bill would put Louisiana “in line” with the other states that have passed similar legislation, Connick said.

“Because (the Texas Legislature) has allowed this, (Texas A&M) has one of the best recruiting classes in the nation,” Connick told the committee.

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The legislation would also allow colleges and universities to directly pay prospective collegiate athletes. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association recently voted to allow high school students to profit off their name, image and likeness.

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Student athletes are still barred from making money off endorsements of tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances or activities, banned athletic substances or any form of sports betting.

The bill moves to the Senate floor for a full vote.

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JC Canicosa

JC Canicosa is an award-winning journalist at The Louisiana Illuminator. Canicosa has previous experience at Investigate-TV and The Loyola Maroon and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Loyola University New Orleans. At Loyola, he was the senior staff writer at The Maroon and the president of the school's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Off the clock, Canicosa enjoys playing basketball, watching movies and dabbling in comedy writing.