Bi-Partisan NIL Bill Proposes New 'American Dream' For International Student-Athletes

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduce the "Name, Image and Likeness for International Collegiate Athletes Act" that would give international student-athletes greater access to NIL opportunities.

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) filed the "Name, Image, and Likeness for International Collegiate Athletes Act" on Oct. 17. The three-page bill seeks to amend Section 214(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act by granting employment authorization to international student-athletes on F-1 visas "for the purpose of engaging in activities pursuant to an endorsement contract for the commercial use of the non-immigrant's name, image, or likeness."

The overwhelming majority of international student-athletes come to the U.S. on F-1 visas. With narrow exceptions, F-1 visas restrict students from obtaining employment on U.S. soil. The restrictive nature of these visas have largely prevented international student-athletes from realizing the full potential of their NIL—an opportunity that student-athletes with U.S. citizenship have had the legal right to since July 1, 2021. 

The bi-partisan bill would transform college athletics and the NIL landscape for the better and would also increase the NCAA's global reach over time. 

Approximately 75% of NIL activity in college athletics is generated by social media content. Granting broader access to NIL opportunities for international student-athletes would give athletes a larger social media platform to connect with fans and followers in both the United States and their native countries, amplifying the popularity of college athletics. 

However, this bill not only advances the interest of the NCAA. Achieving the 'American Dream' is unattainable for too many international student-athletes due to the financial difficulties of leaving their home country. Most student-athletes do not have ample time in their busy schedules to figure out exactly what they want to do after college. Consequently, many graduates are left without without a job and unsure what to pursue next in life. This bill provides an opportunity for international student-athletes to build and monetize a personal brand that will give them the keys to unlock their own 'American Dream.'