Bipartisan Name, Image, Likeness Bill Focused on Endorsements Introduced to Congress

Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio), a former Ohio State and NFL receiver, introduced in the House his version of a bill to allow college athletes to benefit financially from their name, image and likeness through endorsements deals. While expected, the news is significant, as Gonzalez's bill is bipartisan in nature, essential for legislation to potentially pass through a split Congress. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) is introducing the bill with Gonzalez, alongside three Republican and three Democrat cosponsors. The Gonzalez-Cleaver NIL bill is the second such legislation introduced in Congress but is the first to have bipartisan agreement.

Cosponsors with Gonzalez and Cleaver are Colin Allred (D-Texas), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) and Steve Stivers (R-Ohio).