Higher Education and Private Equity Amendments

HB 297 requires Utah public universities to obtain legislative approval before entering into agreements with private capital firms related to intercollegiate athletics. The bill restricts contracts involving ownership interests, control rights over athletic programs, or revenue-sharing arrangements tied to athletics. Exceptions include standard sponsorships without revenue sharing, charitable gifts, and traditional debt financing. Universities must also provide athletic program financial records to the state auditor upon request. This bill directly affects Utah’s public colleges and universities operating athletic programs.