Wise’s Senate Bill 3 Advances To Governor’s Desk, Bringing Kentucky Closer To NIL Modernization

FRANKFORT, KY (March 11, 2025)—Kentucky is one step closer to modernizing its name, image, and likeness (NIL) laws. Today, the House unanimously approved Senate Bill (SB) 3, sending it to the governor’s desk.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, who sponsored the bill and 2022’s SB 6, applauded the House’s approval of SB 3 and urged Governor Andy Beshear to sign the bill.

“This is an important step forward for Kentucky’s student-athletes and universities,” Wise said. “SB 3 allows our universities to remain competitive and our student athletes to have the opportunities they deserve in this evolving NIL landscape. I urge the governor to sign this bill into law without delay so athletics directors and university leaders can work on what they need to under the new statutes.”

SB 3 aligns Kentucky’s NIL policies with national standards. It allows direct compensation agreements between universities and student-athletes while establishing safeguards against exploitation. The bill also includes an emergency clause, ensuring immediate implementation upon enactment.

The bill comes in light of House v. NCAA, a pending federal case that could reshape NIL regulations nationwide. If signed, SB 3 positions Kentucky to lead in adapting to expected changes.

With legislative approval secured, the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

(David C. Harris, Senate Majority Leadership – Legislative Research Commission)