Fry introduces bill addressing NIL; Coastal Carolina athletic officials, others react

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina Sen. Russell Fry on Wednesday introduced the Protect the Benefits for Athletes and Limit Liability Act to address the ever-changing landscape of the name, image and likeness landscape in college athletics.

The bill, co-sponsored by Fry and Alabama Sen. Barry Moore, addresses the “onslaught of litigation universities and conferences face relating to student-athletes’ ability to receive compensation based on their name, image and likeness (NIL).”

The language provides a legal safe harbor for universities, conferences and the NCAA to allow them to provide new benefits for student-athletes and comply with the law without the “constant risk” of costly litigation.

“Student-athletes deserve compensation for the use of their NIL. The Protect the Ball Act is intended to accompany broader legislation establishing a national framework that secures student-athletes’ right to receive compensation and sets a federal standard with guardrails in place,” Fry’s office said in a news release.

Coastal Carolina and South Carolina officials reacted to the legislation proposal.

“The NIL space remains volatile and challenging for institutions and student-athletes. We are grateful that Congressman Fry has recognized the need to stabilize this climate by introducing productive legislation,” Coastal Carolina’s Matt Hogue said. “This effort will provide the legal clarity necessary to support our student-athletes and help make NIL a prosperous part of their experience.”

“We support our student-athletes in the NIL space,” South Carolina Athletic Director Ray Tanner said. “We want to be intimately involved to help them, to assist them to make great decisions for themselves not only in current student-athletes but for their future.”

“The success of our student-athletes is paramount and this proposed legislation will provide us another tool to better navigate current and future challenges within this space,” Coastal Carolina President Michael T. Benson said.

To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.