Georgia Governor Signs Executive Order to Change Landscape of Athlete Compensation in College Sports

ATLANTA – In a significant move for college athletics, Georgia governor Kemp has signed an executive order that could change the game for in-state schools, particularly the University of Georgia. This order, announced on Tuesday, stops the NCAA from enforcing its rules regarding athlete compensation, offering a unique advantage to schools in Georgia as the rules surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) continue to shift.

The executive order states that “Neither the NCAA, an athletic conference, nor any other organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics shall take any adverse action against a postsecondary educational institution in the State of Georgia for such institution facilitating compensation, offering compensation, or compensating an intercollegiate student-athlete for the use of such student-athlete’s NIL.” This means Georgia schools can legally support their athletes in ways that may give them a recruiting edge.

This executive order will remain valid until a formal settlement or new federal legislation is enacted concerning athlete compensation. Currently, the House v. NCAA class action lawsuit is in the final stages of negotiation, with expectations for an outcome by the 2025-26 academic year. If this settlement goes through, it could allow athletic programs to share more than 20% of revenue from their departments.

As states look for comprehensive solutions to NIL rules, Georgia’s decision could lead other schools, particularly those in the SEC, to take similar actions. Earlier this year, Missouri considered a similar measure but backed off after receiving discouraging feedback from SEC officials.

With Georgia now leading the way, other state institutions may feel pressured to follow suit, as they could face a recruiting disadvantage against the Bulldogs.