Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order that effectively allows state colleges and universities to directly pay student-athletes.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed an executive order allowing the state’s colleges and universities to compensate student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. This bold action bypasses existing NCAA rules that prevent schools from directly paying athletes for NIL,

In April, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind measure into law that allows state colleges and universities to directly pay their athletes through NIL deals. The bill passed by the Virginia General Assembly took effect July 1.