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New JerseyS4439220th Legislature (2024-2025)SenateWALLET

Establishes protections for student-athletes and certain institutions of higher education concerning name, image, or likeness compensation; repeals "New Jersey Fair Play Act."

Sponsored By: Joseph P. Cryan (Democratic), Joseph A. Lagana (Democratic), Lisa Swain (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

College athletes gain protected earning rights

Beginning July 22, 2025, this law replaces the New Jersey Fair Play Act. New Jersey four-year colleges offering athletic scholarships cannot block their intercollegiate athletes from earning money from their name, image, or likeness. Colleges and related groups can pay athletes directly through contracts, but no contract or payment amount is guaranteed. Related groups include alumni associations, college foundations, auxiliary services corporations, and college subsidiaries or affiliates. Covered compensation contracts are exempt from public disclosure under New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act.

College athletes get advice and education

Beginning July 22, 2025, New Jersey four-year colleges offering athletic scholarships cannot block intercollegiate athletes from getting contract or legal representation. Legal help must come from licensed attorneys, and athlete agents must follow the federal Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act. Both attorneys and agents must act in the athlete’s best interest. Each academic year, covered colleges must offer all intercollegiate athletes programs or materials about earning from their name, image, or likeness. These must cover money skills, managing a public image, life skills, and other skills for student-athlete success.

Colleges gain protection against sports penalties

Beginning July 22, 2025, athletic associations, conferences, and other governing groups cannot punish activities this law allows. They cannot bar membership, restrict athlete compensation opportunities, or penalize permitted representation or help arranging deals. These protections cover athletes, colleges, and related groups at New Jersey four-year colleges offering athletic scholarships. Colleges and related groups facing actual or threatened complaints, investigations, penalties, or other adverse action can sue. They can seek actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, court orders stopping the action, and other available remedies.

Athletes under 21 face endorsement limits

Beginning July 22, 2025, intercollegiate athletes under 21 face limits on earnings from their name, image, or likeness. They cannot earn this money through businesses involved in alcohol, tobacco, electronic smoking products and devices, or cannabis products. The restriction covers businesses developing, producing, distributing, wholesaling, or retailing those products. It applies at New Jersey four-year colleges that offer athletic scholarships.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Joseph P. Cryan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Joseph A. Lagana

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Swain

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Angela V. McKnight

    Democratic • Senate

  • Raj Mukherji

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjie E. Wimberly

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 86 • No: 29

House vote • 6/30/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 61 • No: 18

Senate vote • 6/2/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 25 • No: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.110.

    7/22/2025Governor

  2. Passed Assembly, PBH — (61-18-0)

    6/30/2025House

  3. Substituted for A5729

    6/30/2025House

  4. Reported, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    6/12/2025House

  5. Received in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee

    6/12/2025House

  6. Passed Senate — (25-11)

    6/2/2025Senate

  7. Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate

    5/22/2025Senate

  8. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee

    5/19/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Version PL2025

    9/15/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2025

    8/25/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    7/1/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Higher Education Substitute (6/12/25)

    6/13/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Higher Education Substitute (5/22/25)

    5/23/2025

    HTMLPDF

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