Kentucky governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order on Thursday to allow name, image, and likeness compensation for college athletes effective July 1.
This is the first state to do so via executive order. Six other states passed their own legislation that was later signed by their respective governors—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and New Mexico.
“Today’s step was done in cooperation with all of our public universities as well as leadership of both parties,” Beshear said after signing the executive order at the Capitol. “This action ensures we are not at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting, and also that our student athletes have the same rights and opportunities as those in other states.