Legislature authorizes endorsement contracts for college athletes

The Legislature on Tuesday gave final 37-6 approval to a bill that would allow college athletes in Nebraska to earn money through personal endorsement of products and use of their name, image or likeness.

The measure (LB962), sponsored by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, was modeled after legislation enacted by California lawmakers a year ago.

The proposal is part of a growing movement that would dramatically alter the traditional status of amateur college athletes.

Hunt's Nebraska Fair Pay to Play Act would also allow athletes to make money by promoting sponsored content on social media and by giving private lessons or hosting camps.

Opponents of the change have argued that it will ignite a new kind…