The PennZone

Governor Tom Wolf today joined Penn State University (PSU) athletes, university leadership and lawmakers at Beaver Stadium to celebrate the passing of Act 26 of 2021 allowing Pennsylvania collegiate athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

The governor was joined by student athletes including speakers Anna Camden and Jahan Dotson, President Eric Barron, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour, Senator Jake Corman, and Representative Ed Gainey.

"Pennsylvania is home to many outstanding student athletes who devote countless hours of their time, effort, and passion to achievement both in the classroom and on the field," said. Gov. Wolf. "This new chapter for athletes across Pennsylvania will allow collegiate athletes to finally earn compensation for endorsements without sacrifice to the sport they have dedicated much of their lives to play."

Act 26 of 2021 amends the Public School Code to allow athletes at Pennsylvania colleges to earn money from endorsements, such as sponsorships and appearances, and still be allowed to compete. Act 26 does not allow student athletes to receive payment for playing a sport or athletic achievement; rather, Pennsylvania's new law provides student athletes with an opportunity to benefit financially from their NIL.

More on The PennZone

• DuoKey Launches Quantum Risk Score to Help Enterprises Prioritise Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration
• Top 5 Most Reliable Used Vans in the UK in 2026
• Dominican Fashion Designer Raiza Bonaparte presents the Sovereign Despampanante Collection at the Library of Congress
• Roohid Parast on How AI Is Changing What Bench Scientists Can Do
• What Happens When Congress Says No? New Book Examines the Boland Amendments, Iran-Contra Affair & Jamaican Posse, as US Congress Debate Over Military

"At Penn State, our 800+ varsity student athletes have raised the bar for dedication, work ethic and pursuit of excellence," said Pres. Barron. "They pursue challenging academic programs and spend rigorous and exhausting hours practicing. They compete at the highest levels, and contribute to campus life in countless ways. Our student athletes are an impressive group, and it's our responsibility to do everything possible to ensure their success beyond college.

"Name, Image and Likeness rights is an important step in realizing that goal. And we appreciate that Pennsylvania has enacted a bill that gives student athletes the ability to earn compensation based on their NIL."

"We're excited for our student-athletes and this opportunity made possible by the Pennsylvania NIL law," Vice Pres. Barbour said. "Our students now have an opportunity to capitalize on their name, image and likeness, and engage in entrepreneurial activity and exploration, which will serve them well from a skill building and experience perspective, as well as the opportunity to be compensated. This is the right step in allowing student-athletes the same opportunities that all students on campuses have always enjoyed.  We are appreciative of the Governor and Legislature's leadership and support."

More on The PennZone

• Warm, Dry Summer Forecast Points to a Stronger Wasp and Yellowjacket Season Across the Pacific Northwest
• Qscription Technologies Appoints Anurag Velekkatt Sunil Kumar to Drive Enterprise Scale
• SafeBets Named Presenting Sponsor of IMCX 2026, Bringing Its No-Deposit Prediction Platform to the Creator Economy's Deal-Making Conference
• Turnstone Creative's Ashley Russo Serves as Emcee for United Way's 2026 NERC and Women's Summit
• A New Pulse for Cardiac Care in Baltimore: St. Elizabeth Rehab & Nursing Welcomes Dr. Hakim Uqdah and Expands Advanced Heart Program

"This step toward fairness for athletes aligns with changes taking place in other states and at the national level within the NCAA," said. Gov. Wolf. "It will also help to ensure that Pennsylvania colleges and universities remain competitive to future athletic prospects. This is an exciting moment for athletes and colleges in Pennsylvania, and I am proud to sign the law allowing for these opportunities."

SHARE Email Facebook Twitter

Filed Under: Government, State

---

Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation