Colorado lawmakers consider bill to allow college athletes to earn from endorsements

Colorado lawmakers are considering House Bill 1041, which would allow colleges to pay student athletes for their name, image, and likeness. This change follows recent Supreme Court rulings that have already allowed athletes to profit from endorsements. If passed, the bill would enable public universities in Colorado to create lucrative contracts with athletes, similar to deals with major brands. Funding for these payments could come from tuition and fees, raising concerns about financial transparency. The bill also seeks to exempt these contracts from public records laws, which could lead to legal challenges regarding equitable pay for male and female athletes. Critics argue this could blur the line between college and professional sports.