On March 4, 2025, University of South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, advocating for federal legislation to standardize Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations in college sports. Beamer emphasized the necessity of a bipartisan federal law to ensure equitable opportunities for all student-athletes to benefit from NIL, warning that the current fragmented state laws and potential employee-designation models could destabilize college athletics.
Beamer argued that without uniform federal standards, college sports risk facing “never-ending litigation and conflicting state laws,” which could harm the educational and athletic experiences of student-athletes. He expressed concern that classifying student-athletes as employees might lead to a reduction in the number of sports programs offered, adversely affecting the diversity of athletic opportunities available. Instead, Beamer advocated for a federal law that would uphold the education-based model of college sports while providing stability and clarity regarding NIL opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of NIL in recruiting and retaining top talent, Beamer noted that South Carolina has been proactive in supporting its student-athletes’ NIL endeavors. The university’s partnership with Everett Sports Marketing led to the creation of Park Ave, an in-house NIL agency offering management services to student-athletes at no cost. Beamer described this initiative as “huge,” being the first of its kind in NCAA sports, and expressed excitement about the opportunities it provides for Gamecocks athletes.
Addressing concerns about the potential for NIL to create inequities among programs, Beamer acknowledged that NIL is a significant factor in college athletics, particularly in recruiting and transfers. He emphasized the need for transparency and rules to ensure a level playing field, stating that while South Carolina has made strides in supporting NIL opportunities, more resources are needed to compete at the highest level.
Beamer’s testimony reflects a growing sentiment among college sports leaders for federal intervention to regulate NIL activities, aiming to preserve the integrity of collegiate athletics while ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for student-athletes across the nation.
