Ohio's College Athletes Can Now Make Money Off Their Likeness

COLUMBUS, OH — Student-athletes at Ohio colleges and universities are now allowed to earn compensation from their name, image and likeness.

Gov. Mike DeWine implemented the change when he signed Executive Order 2021-10D on Monday evening. He took the step to aid Buckeye State athletic departments, he said.

“Ohio’s colleges and athletes need this directive. The federal government has yet to provide updated instructions on how to modernize collegiate programs and allow athletes to make money while making sure they remain amateurs,” DeWine said.

The order is based on Senate Bill 187, sponsored by state Sen. Niraj Antani. Student-athletes will now be allowed to obtain professional representations and enter contracts for endorsements, though they must inform their colleges of any contracts they sign.

The order bars colleges and universities from preventing a student from participating in athletics, or otherwise punishing them, as a result of these sponsorship deals.

“Naturally, athletes will want to go to college in states where they can earn money and remain eligible to play. Without setting these rules Ohio college athletic programs would be at a disadvantage," DeWine added.