Michigan lawmakers introduce state bills paving way for college athletes to unionize

A new proposed Michigan House bill considers student-athletes as employees, while another looks to remove a new hurdle for athletes trying to secure deals based on their name, image, and likeness.

Both were introduced by House Democrats, who say that they couldn’t come at a more pivotal time.

Since July 1, student-athletes must disclose any NIL deals made outside the university worth more than $600 to a new third-party entity called “NIL Go.” The NCAA says this ensures both sides are getting a fair value, but Rep. Joe Tate says otherwise.

“We want to be clear to make sure that no entity is allowed to interrupt a student-athlete’s ability to enter into a contract,” said Tate, D-Detroit. “Then they don’t have to submit a contract to the NCAA for approval. If you’re going to a university in Michigan, it restricts them from doing that.”