Derek Slap

Connecticut Becomes 17th State to Allow Student-Athletes to Benefit From Their Own Name and Likeness

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) led final passage in the Senate this evening of a bill that will allow college student athletes in Connecticut to be compensated for an endorsement contract or to hire a sports attorney

For several years Sen. Slap has advocated for the right of college athletes to profit from their name or likeness by engaging in paid advertisements – something that is now forbidden by the NCAA, even though that organization is allowing states to write their own rules.

Under a section of a higher education bill passed this evening (House Bill 6402), beginning September 1, college athletes in Connecticut can earn compensation through an endorsement contract or employment, and they can hire the legal or professional representation of an attorney or sports agent.

“This bill really addresses an issue of basic fairness: these students – who are predominantly minority students – have helped the NCAA earn billions of dollars in sports broadcast fees, but until now they could not participate in any of that profit,” Sen. Slap said. “It’s time to give our student-athletes in Connecticut the opportunity to make some money off of their name and their face and their talents. A student who is talented in art or music can make money off of their name, so why not an athlete? We’re fortunate to live in a state where our female athletes also have opportunities to benefit and that’s just one more reason to celebrate its passage.”

The bill has been endorsed by UConn and other state colleges and universities who fear that they could be at a disadvantage to recruit and retain student-athletes without such a policy.

16 states have already passed similar laws, including Alabama, Georgia and Florida, and dozens of other states are considering similar legislation.