West Cook News

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) joined lawmakers, athletic directors, and college athletes in hailing Gov. Pritzker's signing into law a bill allowing college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image, and likeness.

"I'm thrilled to be here today for Gov. Pritzker to sign this bill into law," Welch said. "As Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) just said, this is about equity and fairness. This is about doing the right thing for these great athletes that you see here before us today."

The House Speaker commended the two sponsors of the bill, Buckner and Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) whom he said worked tirelessly to bring the legislation onto Pritzker's desk.

"I want to thank Rep. Buckner for spearheading this issue in the House this year and Sen. Harris, a fellow Wildcat, for getting it done in the Senate."

The name, image & likeness (NIL) legislation will put Illinois among the growing number of states that have adapted to the changing landscape of collegiate sports by bringing more equity to student-athletes.

"This should have been done a long time ago on a national level,” Welch said. “But finally, it’s happening and I'm proud Illinois is joining the number of states across the country signing similar legislation into law. This will greatly benefit student-athletes at both public and private universities."

Senate Bill 2338, or the Illinois Athlete Endorsement Rights Act, has gained bipartisan support in the Illinois General Assembly with state Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) co-sponsoring the bill.

The law which takes effect on July 1, will allow college athletes in Illinois to earn a profit from the use of their name, image, and likeness as well as sponsorships and public event appearances.

The law will also allow student-athletes to hire an agent.