Ohio State leadership supports DeWine’s action on NIL rights

An executive order signed today by Gov. Mike DeWine will allow college student-athletes in Ohio to benefit financially from their name, image and likeness. The Ohio State University supports the order and similar legislation pending in the Statehouse.

DeWine noted that colleges throughout the state would be at a disadvantage without rules helping student-athletes take advantage of the opportunities NIL rights will allow. The NCAA is expected to consider NIL proposals for Division I athletes this week. However, several states have legislation that will take effect July 1.

“I want to thank Gov. DeWine for supporting our student-athletes. I know firsthand how hard these student-athletes work to excel in the classroom and in their sport, and allowing them to benefit from their name, image and likeness and capitalize on their hard work is the right thing to do,” said President Kristina M. Johnson. “I am hopeful the NCAA and Congress will set national guidelines for name, image and likeness. In the meantime, this executive order will ensure that Ohio colleges and universities continue to attract the best and brightest student-athletes.”

The executive order is based on legislation proposed by State Sen. Niraj Antani last month. Gene Smith, senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director, joined Antani for the announcement of the legislation at the Covelli Center. Today, Smith thanked DeWine for taking action.

“I’m thankful and appreciative to Governor DeWine for signing this executive order. It not only will have a great benefit on our student-athletes at Ohio State, but also all student-athletes throughout the state of Ohio,” he said. “While we still have work to do in order to secure national standards surrounding name, image and likeness, I am thrilled that we’re moving forward. It’s a positive step, and most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do. We’re committed to providing all our student-athletes the very best education so they can maximize the opportunities that will exist.”

Under the governor’s order and Antani’s proposal, students must notify their college or university of any commercial agreement before it is finalized. The order would prohibit students from signing agreements to promote alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or casinos – Antani said many college students are under 21, so the restriction made sense.