A Florida House panel has approved a proposal to limit the fees of agents representing college and high-school athletes who receive payment through name, image, and likeness deals. The bill seeks to provide structure to the NIL system and protect athletes from predatory agents. Under the bill, agent fees would be capped at 5% for working with athletes or NIL collectives. The goal is to prevent exploitation and give athletes more control over their compensation.
Rep. Fiona McFarland raised concerns about Florida athletes being put at a disadvantage compared to athletes in other states due to the fee cap. However, Chairman Mike Giallombardo argued that the limit could actually attract athletes to Florida schools by allowing them to keep more money in their pockets. The bill also includes provisions for maintaining a database of licensed agents and educating athletes about NIL opportunities.
The measure prohibits NIL deals with certain companies and requires parental permission for athletes under 18 to enter into such agreements or seek advice from coaches. The bill is seen as a step towards providing structure and protection for athletes in navigating the complex landscape of NIL deals.
The Senate has a similar bill that has not yet been heard in committees, while the House bill must pass through additional committees before reaching the full House for a vote. Last year, the Florida High School Athletic Association ratified a plan allowing high school athletes to benefit from NIL deals, marking a significant shift in the realm of amateur athletics.
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