To keep Oklahoma’s collegiate athletics competitive with other programs, Governor Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order enabling universities and colleges to facilitate direct payments to student-athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) while federal and legal decisions are pending surrounding NIL payments. It also protects taxpayer dollars from being used.
“Oklahoma is home to some of the nation’s most outstanding student-athletes,” said Stitt. “This executive order ensures that these student-athletes have access to the same opportunities as their peers in other states. It’s about leveling the playing field and maintaining the competitive edge that defines Oklahoma athletics. This action is a critical step to protect Oklahoma’s student-athletes and ensures they have the opportunity to succeed on and off the field.”
Key provisions of the executive order include:
Authorization for Oklahoma postsecondary institutions to facilitate NIL payments to student-athletes.
Protection for institutions and individuals from investigations or adverse actions by athletic organizations for engaging in NIL-related activities.
Restrictions preventing the use of state-allocated funds for NIL payments.
Automatic expiration of the order upon final settlement approval in the federal NIL litigation or the enactment of a federal law governing student-athlete payments.
