Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing foreign investment in collegiate sports name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. The bill, called the No Foreign NIL Funds Act, seeks to block foreign nations and their entities from donating to any collegiate NIL agreement or investing in college athletics revenue streams. It also aims to prevent foreign involvement in naming rights, broadcasting contracts, joint ventures, sponsorships, and hosting of athletic events abroad.
The lawmakers say the growth of NIL deals has created a vulnerability for U.S. higher education if foreign states or state-linked entities use these arrangements to gain influence. “College sports are woven into American campus life, local communities, and family traditions. But allowing foreign entities to funnel money and sponsorships into college athletics through NIL deals risks undermining the integrity of the game and exposing universities to unintended foreign influence or national security concerns,” Rep. Moore said. “NIL should be used to support college athletes, not as a backdoor for moving foreign money into American institutions. I’m proud to introduce this common-sense bipartisan bill with Rep. Veasey to prevent U.S. college sports from becoming a playpen for foreign money.”
Rep. Veasey added: “Our college athletics should be about opportunity for college athletes and not a back door for foreign governments to buy influence. This bipartisan legislation draws a bright line by banning foreign donations to NIL deals. We’re protecting the integrity of college sports, our national security, and the future of collegiate athletics.”
Cameron Walker, Utah State Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed support for the effort: “Utah State Athletics firmly supports our student-athletes and their ability to seek name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities through the appropriate channels. However, the origin of these sources is critical for NIL to function effectively and operate in the best interest of our university, state, and student-athletes. We are thankful for Congressman Moore’s work in this area and support his efforts to create a safe and sustainable future.”
Currently there are no federal restrictions on foreign actors donating funds through NIL arrangements if they meet requirements set out by recent court settlements involving NCAA rules. Many collectives that facilitate these deals operate as LLCs whose donor lists are not made public; this has created an opportunity for undisclosed foreign influence.
For example, according to lawmakers behind the bill, a foreign entity could establish a U.S.-based subsidiary or foundation that donates large sums framed as marketing partnerships or philanthropic initiatives—payments which may then reach athletes without oversight on funding sources or intent.
The proposed legislation would exempt NATO member countries as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland from its restrictions.
Blake Moore currently represents Utah’s 1st district in Congress after succeeding Rob Bishop in 2021 (https://moore.house.gov/about). He was born in Ogden in 1980 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/M001218), lives in Salt Lake City (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/M001218), graduated from University of Utah with a BA in 2005 (https://moore.house.gov/about).
