Pennsylvania now joins 12 other states in enacting a law that allows college student athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness.  The law, part of the School Code, was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on June 30, 2021.  The name, image and likeness (NIL) law is effective on July 1, 2021.

The Pennsylvania NIL law applies to student athletes attending college in Pennsylvania.  It specifically prohibits the NCAA or any conference from interfering in the NIL rights granted to student athletes.

The NIL law allows student athletes to be paid for the use of their name, their image and/or their likeness by those willing to pay the athlete, with certain exceptions.  Neither the NCAA nor any conference may interfere with the rights granted by the NIL law nor may anyone interfere with the representation of student athletes by attorneys, financial advisors, or agents with regard to the student athlete’s NIL rights.

A student athlete seeking representation should consider the training and experience of their potential advisors.  The attorneys at Mette, Evans & Woodside are prepared to represent student athletes attending college in Pennsylvania regarding their NIL rights.  The Mette, Evans & Woodside attorneys have a full understanding of the NIL law and the experience in negotiating and drafting contracts for the use of the student athlete’s NIL.

If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding NIL, please email attorney Kathryn L. Simpson at klsimpson@mette.com or call directly at 717-503-4684.