Gov. Andy Beshear signs NIL executive order as Kentucky joins push across country
In the latest example of a state keeping up with neighboring and competing states and universities, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has signed an executive order to allow name, image, and likeness compensation for collegiate athletes in the state.
Beshear is the first governor to allow compensation for name, image, and likeness by executive order, Lex18 reported.
“Today’s step was done in cooperation with all of our public universities as well as leadership of both parties,” said Gov. Beshear after signing the executive order Thursday at the Capitol. “This action ensures we are not at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting, and also that our student athletes have the same rights and opportunities as those in other states. For any individual athlete, their name, image and likeness are their own and no one else’s.”
Both Mark Stoops and John Calipari supported the move as college sports continues to look for a more streamlined plan in this area from a national perspective.
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) June 24, 2021
“NIL issues are at the forefront of college athletics and we appreciate Gov. Beshear helping us address current needs while long-term solutions are being developed on the national level.”
— BBN Tonight (@BBNTonight) June 24, 2021
John Calipari’s statement, in part:
“We have always put student-athletes first and today’s executive order by Gov. Beshear – who I want to thank for making this a priority – will empower universities across the state to support their young men and women better than ever.”
— BBN Tonight (@BBNTonight) June 24, 2021
