Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an executive order that will allow Georgia colleges and universities to directly pay athletes through the NCAA’s name, image and likeness program.
Kemp signed the document Tuesday as a legal battle rages between the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) and several conferences over the issue of players getting paid.
“Student-athletes in the State of Georgia should compete on a level playing field and not forgo compensation available to student-athletes in other states while the Settlement is pending,” Kemp wrote in his executive order.
The executive order does not allow state funds to be used as payments for the players and their NIL deals. Money may come from private donations or funds raised by the schools.
Kemp signed a bill three years ago that would allow student athletes to make money off their image.