Youngkin signs bill allowing Virginia colleges, universities to be involved in NIL compensation process

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a bill into law that he says will allow college sports teams in Virginia to be more competitive.

“Right now, there is just so much competition, conference realignment, NIL, transfer portal. This is a feather in our cap, and we can put our best foot forward,” Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Brent Pry told 8News.

Youngkin signing House Bill 1505, allowing Virginia’s colleges and universities to be more involved in how student-athletes can be compensated for the use of their name, image, or likeness.

“If this is an opportunity for them to be able to improve their quality of life and the quality of life of their families, then I’m all for it,” University of Virginia Head Football Coach Tony Elliott said.

The new law allows colleges and universities in Virginia to help negotiate deals with companies and even pay college athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness, something the NCAA doesn’t currently allow.

“I don’t want anybody to come to the University of Virginia just because of NIL, but it’s important to be able to speak openly and honestly in that space,” Elliott explained. “For us, we want it to be a part of that package.”

The new law would also make it illegal for the NCAA to prohibit schools in Virginina from being more involved in the process, something Youngkin says is critical.

“You have an 18 or 19-year-old that finds themself on the other end of a very complicated contractual discussion, they need some help. This allows the universities to provide that help which is really important,” said Youngkin.

The new law will take effect on July 1.

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