Virginia passes NIL law that lets schools pay athletes

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed into law this morning "groundbreaking legislation" that will give Virginia universities virtually "unencumbered freedom to provide their athletes" NIL compensation. The bill takes effect July 1, "overrides confusing NCAA restrictions and could, advocates believe, be a catalyst for a desperately needed national standard" protected by Congress and/or the courts. Virginia’s new law says "neither the NCAA nor any governing body can penalize an in-state school or athlete" for direct compensation for endorsements. Virginia Del. Terry Austin sponsored the measure, and Univ. of Virginia’s Deputy AD for Legal and Regulatory Affairs Jason Baum served as the primary author (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 4/18).