Senate Passes Landmark NIL Legislation to Protect Oklahoma Student Athletes

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate has approved Senate Bill 490, authored by Senator Todd Gollihare, marking a significant step in modernizing the state’s collegiate athletics landscape. The bill, which passed the Senate floor on March 17, amends the Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Rights Act to align with the evolving national framework of collegiate sports while ensuring Oklahoma student athletes and universities remain competitive.

The legislation comes as states across the country navigate the shifting landscape of student athlete compensation, particularly in light of the pending House v. NCAA settlement. Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent Executive Order 2025-01 helped bridge the regulatory gap, and SB 490 now provides a long-term, legislative solution to safeguard Oklahoma’s collegiate athletes and institutions.

“Senate Bill 490 is a necessary step to protect Oklahoma’s student athletes and ensure our universities remain competitive on the national stage,” Sen. Gollihare said. “As we witness the evolution of collegiate athletics and the end of the amateur athlete era, it is imperative that our state takes proactive measures to keep pace with national changes. This legislation strikes a balance between preserving the student experience and ensuring our institutions are not at a disadvantage.”

Senate Bill 490 allows Oklahoma’s NCAA member schools to engage in revenue-sharing agreements with student athletes, preventing competitive disadvantages compared to institutions in other states. To ensure financial responsibility, the bill establishes a $20.5 million annual cap per institution for athlete compensation, funded through revenue sources such as conference distributions, advertising, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Additionally, the bill guarantees there is no fiscal impact on the state by prohibiting postsecondary institutions from using appropriated state funds to pay student athletes.

The legislation is a direct response to the shifting collegiate athletics landscape, as national discussions regarding athlete compensation continue. With major universities in Oklahoma competing in different conferences — such as the SEC and Big 12 — the state must act swiftly to avoid losing top talent to states that have already enacted NIL-related revenue-sharing measures.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of collegiate athletics, and Oklahoma is standing at the forefront,” Sen. Gollihare added. “We are setting a national precedent, ensuring our student athletes receive fair opportunities while maintaining the integrity of our institutions. By memorializing these agreements into law, we provide clarity and stability for athletes, universities, and stakeholders alike.”

Importantly, all payments made to student athletes before June 30, 2025, will not count against the newly established salary cap, offering immediate flexibility for institutions as they transition to this updated framework.

The bill now advances to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for further consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Todd Gollihare at (405) 521-5528 or Todd.Gollihare@oksenate.gov.