HR 4868 United States House · 119th Congress

College Athlete Economic Freedom Act

This bill gives college athletes the right to market their name, image, and likeness (NIL) without restrictions from their schools or athletic associations. It prohibits institutions from preventing athletes from forming groups to negotiate NIL contracts, colluding to limit payments, or interfering with athletes' ability to work with agents or representatives. The bill requires schools to provide equitable support for NIL marketing regardless of gender, race, or sport, and establishes reporting requirements for institutions regarding NIL agreements. International college athletes are protected from having NIL activities count against their visa status, and the bill establishes enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission. Athletes can also sue if their rights are violated, with courts awarding actual damages, costs, and attorney's fees.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Aug 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Aug 1, 2025 Last action Aug 1, 2025
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
2
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Committee
1
Aug 1, 2025
Committee
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
lower
Aug 1, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Lori Trahan
Lori Trahan
DDemocratic
MA
3