This bill was introduced to Missouri’s House in early December 2020 and took a little over seven months to pass through the House and the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. The following components have been spelled out from the Bill:
Now that Student-Athletes will have the ability to profit off of their name, image, and likeness, they have to remain conscious about certain thresholds that could have certain tax consequences. Specific to the State of Missouri:
What is the Missouri NIL Law?
Under this act, the Missouri NIL law states that a postsecondary educational institution shall not uphold any rule, requirement, standard, or other limitation that prevents a student athlete from fully participating in intercollegiate athletics without penalty for earning compensation for the use of such athlete’s name, image, or likeness rights, or athletic reputation. Such compensation shall not affect a student athlete’s grant-in-aid or stipend eligibility, amount, duration, or renewal. Such institution shall also not interfere with a student athlete’s participation based on obtaining representation in relation to contracts or legal matters. Grant-in-aid and stipends shall not be construed as compensation for the use of a student athlete’s name, image, or likeness rights, or athletic reputation.
When does Missouri NIL Compliance Start?
Missouri NIL started on July 1, 2021, per the NCAA Interim Policies. With the passage of House Bill 297, Missouri State NIL laws took effect on August 28, 2021.
How does Missouri NIL affect NCAA Student-Athletes?
Missouri NCAA Student-Athletes will be able to earn compensation for the use of her or his name, image, or likeness (NIL) through a multitude of different opportunities. Student-Athletes can now make money for things such as endorsements, sponsorships, appearances, autographs, memorabilia, podcasts, camps, clinics, private lessons, crowdfunding, and many more!
What are Missouri Name, Image, and Likeness Best Practices?
Both athletes and administrators in the State of Missouri should start by making sure they have a proper understanding of the rules and regulations set forth by House Bill 297. A working knowledge of the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for Missouri NIL will allow all parties to safely and successfully navigate the new landscape. The next most important aspect would be the compliance component of NIL. Not only do students need to make sure they are entering agreements that are compliant with the passed state regulations, but they need to make sure they are transparent with their school to avoid any institutional conflicts.
All institutions with NCAA athletic programs are affected by NIL. In the state of Missouri, the following schools will be affected:
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