Georgia allows schools to pay student athletes in new order

On Tuesday morning, Georgia's governor, Brian Kemp, signed an executive order allowing schools in the state to pay student-athletes directly for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This order provides legal protection against potential penalties from the NCAA or other athletic conferences, which currently prohibit direct payments to athletes. The NCAA is in the process of finalizing an antitrust settlement that may change its rules regarding NIL compensation, but the Georgia order is effective immediately. The executive order mirrors a law passed in Virginia, which also allows schools to compensate athletes without facing NCAA repercussions. However, despite the new legal framework, sources indicate that neither Georgia nor Georgia Tech plans to implement immediate payment for their athletes. Instead, the order serves as a strategic option for these institutions, enabling them to remain competitive should other schools across the nation begin to pay their players. Athletic directors from both universities expressed gratitude for the governor's leadership, emphasizing the importance of supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of NIL opportunities. They highlighted that the absence of nationwide regulations on NIL compensation necessitated this executive order to ensure their programs' long-term success. Other states are exploring similar legislation to facilitate athlete compensation, with Missouri already allowing schools to direct funds to third parties for marketing purposes. If the NCAA challenges the Georgia order, it would need to do so in court, as the current laws in Virginia and Georgia permit immediate payments without restrictions.