CHAMPAIGN, Illinois -- In an event held Tuesday afternoon at State Farm Center, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill allowing student athletes in the state to be compensated for their name, image and likeness.
In preparation for these legislative changes, Northwestern Athletics:
"With this law, Illinois will lead the United States in giving student-athletes the opportunity to sign endorsement deals of their own, joining a growing coalition of states leading the fight for innovation in our modern collegiate sports system," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Let me be clear. Illinois is now at the forefront of this movement, yet another reason student-athletes should choose Illinois for college. Beginning July 1st, Illinois collegiate student athletes – no matter the sport and no matter the division – can take control of their destiny when it comes to their own name, image, likeness, and voice."
"Today's action is a significant step forward for student-athletes at Northwestern and across our state," said incoming Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. "We sincerely appreciate the leadership of Representative Kam Buckner and Northwestern alumni House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Senator Napoleon Harris and Senator Jacqueline Collins, as well as the support of Governor Pritzker, ensuring that Illinois is a trailblazer in supporting student-athletes. As this evolution offers our young men and women new opportunities, our commitment to providing more than 500 Wildcats across 19 teams an exceptional experience and foundation for lifelong success will not waver."In preparation for these legislative changes, Northwestern Athletics:
- Established a cross-campus task force in Fall 2020 to ensure effective July 1 implementation and compliance
- Worked in collaboration with student-athletes and world-renowned Northwestern University educators to create a proprietary education curriculum that builds a foundation of personal brand awareness, financial literacy and strategic communications
- Built a program for ongoing rules education for all Northwestern student-athletes, coaches and staff, in preparation for anticipated market maturation in months and years to come
- Entered partnership with third-party provider to maintain responsible oversight of student-athlete endorsement opportunities, mindful of Illinois law and NCAA regulations
- Continued a years-long mission of student-athlete digital empowerment with creative production by Emmy Award-winning StudioN and team photographers