Bill > S563

This bill, known as "The Michael Jordans of Tomorrow Act," comprehensively addresses Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation for student-athletes in North Carolina. The legislation creates a framework that allows constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina to assist student-athletes in securing NIL agreements, while prohibiting direct compensation for athletic performance. Universities can help facilitate introductions with potential sponsors, provide NIL education, and partner with businesses, with a cap of $20.5 million annually from athletics revenues for direct student-athlete compensation. The bill establishes a North Carolina NIL Clearinghouse within the Department of Commerce to educate athletes, review agreements, and provide grants, and introduces a 50% tax credit for businesses entering NIL agreements with student-athletes (up to $500,000 per year). Additionally, the bill allows high school students to enter NIL agreements with certain restrictions, such as parental consent for those under 18 and prohibitions on performance-based compensation. A Joint Legislative Study Committee will be formed to further explore NIL revenue sharing models, and the state will allocate $10 million to support the NIL Clearinghouse program, with the overall goal of making North Carolina more competitive in attracting and supporting student-athletes.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S563