Protect the BALL Act of 2024

This bill defines what constitutes "compensation" for student athletes, explicitly excluding standard benefits like tuition, health insurance, and academic stipends (capped at $5,980 annually). It shields colleges, athletic associations, and conferences from lawsuits when enforcing rules that limit or prohibit student athletes from earning money through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals or other commercial opportunities. The law clarifies that institutions cannot be held liable for restricting eligibility if athletes violate these compensation rules. It applies to all colleges and athletic conferences under the Higher Education Act, focusing on legal clarity around NIL policies.