PULLMAN, Wash. (June 6, 2024) -- Washington State Senate Bill 5913 goes into effect Thursday, providing new options for Washington State Athletics to support its student-athletes as they pursue opportunities s
urrounding their name, image and likeness (NIL).
"With Senate Bill 5913 going into effect today, WSU Athletics can now provide more opportunities to support and educate our student-athletes as they navigate the ever-evolving world of name, image and likeness," said WSU Interim Director of Athletics Anne McCoy. "The bill also allows us to stay competitive with our peers nationally in this arena."
On March 13 of this year, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5913 to clarify the state ethics law for university employees engaging student-athletes in activities regarding the student's NIL. The law, now in effect, provides student-athletes at Washington State University the same assistance and benefits as their peers across the country.
With the NCAA's added flexibility on NIL compensation, student-athletes have been presented with increasingly complex commercial opportunities and this legislative action ensures Washington State University is able to provide the necessary education, support, and guidance for them to succeed.
Name, image, and likeness (NIL) refers to a person's right of publicity which entitles a person to monetize the use of their NIL for commercial benefit. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted guidelines in 2021 that allow individuals to engage in NIL activities consistent with the law of the state where the school is located.
If you are interested in learning more about NIL and how you can get involved, please visit wsucougars.com or reach out to Nick Garner, nicholaus.garner@wsu.edu.