TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on May 19, 2025

A new state law protects Tennessee universities from anticipated antitrust lawsuits by athletes unhappy with the player-pay rules coming to college sports, and could accelerate the shift toward a professional model, Knox News reports. According to the paper, the law grants Tennessee universities flexibility to pay players without fear of legal repercussions or NCAA sanctions. A new NCAA system for paying athletes could begin as early as July 1, pending a multibillion-dollar settlement that would resolve three federal antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA and four power conferences. The settlement is expected to include new rules on revenue sharing, roster limits and NIL pay. About a dozen states have enacted similar laws, but Tennessee’s is believed to one of the most athlete-friendly Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) laws in the country, according to On3 Media. Gov. Bill Lee signed SB536/HB194 into law on May 1.