Louisiana Gov Landry signs EO to protect Louisiana student-athletes in NIL era

(The Center Square) − Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order on Monday that attempts to shield the state’s colleges and universities from penalties if they directly facilitate compensation to student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness rights, a move that places Louisiana among the growing list of states taking unilateral action amid national uncertainty over how NIL should be regulated.

The order, effective immediately, comes as the NCAA awaits court approval of a $2.75 billion federal settlement in In re College Athlete NIL Litigation, which would allow schools to directly compensate athletes for NIL-related activities.

In the meantime, a patchwork of state laws and a lack of federal guidance have left schools navigating a legal gray area.

“Louisiana is proud to be home to student-athletes who consistently compete and win at the highest levels of college athletics,” Landry said in a statement. “As national policies and developments continue to reshape the landscape of college sports, this executive order is about fairness — for our Louisiana students, our schools, and our athletes.”

The order protects Louisiana colleges from “adverse action” by the NCAA, athletic conferences or other governing bodies if they facilitate or offer NIL compensation. However, it also prohibits the use of state-allocated funds for such payments.

The move won praise from higher education athletic leaders.

“This will afford all higher education institutions in the state of Louisiana the ability to remain nimble and at the forefront of the ever-changing college athletics landscape,” said LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward.

Southern University’s athletic director, Roman Banks, echoed the sentiment. “I want to thank Governor Landry for the leadership he has demonstrated… by providing stability in the current landscape of collegiate sports.”

The executive order will remain in place until either federal NIL legislation is enacted or the proposed NIL settlement becomes effective.

Landry’s action follows a broader push in the state to support student-athletes in the NIL space. A bill pre-filed for the 2025 legislative session — House Bill 166, sponsored by Rep. Dixon McMakin, R-East Baton Rouge — would exempt NIL income from state taxes for student-athletes enrolled in Louisiana colleges, beginning in 2026.

“We want to try to level the playing field and keep our best and brightest in our state,” McMakin said in an earlier interview, noting that other Southern states like Alabama, Texas and Georgia are advancing similar tax incentives.

Under his proposal, athletes could deduct NIL income from state taxes, provided the money isn't tied to endorsements involving alcohol, tobacco, gambling or other restricted categories.