This bill would amend the federal tax code to create special investment accounts for student-athletes earning name, image, and likeness (NIL) income. The goal is to let athletes save and invest money tied to endorsements, appearances, and other NIL opportunities under a defined tax framework. It would mainly affect college and potentially other student-athletes who generate income from their personal brand, along with families and advisers helping manage that money. The bill has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee for review.
What This Bill Does
- Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
- Creates name, image, and likeness investment accounts
- Applies to student-athletes receiving NIL income
- Assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee
- Introduced in the House on June 30, 2026
Who This Bill Affects
For student-athletes who earn NIL income, this bill could provide a dedicated tax-favored account for saving and investing those earnings instead of handling them through ordinary accounts. That could make it easier to build long-term savings from endorsement money, appearance fees, or similar compensation, especially for athletes with uneven or short-lived income. If you are not a student-athlete earning NIL income, the bill likely would not change your taxes or benefits in any direct way.
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- Student-athletes with NIL earnings Supporters would say the bill helps athletes turn short-term endorsement income into long-term financial stability. A tax-advantaged account could make it easier to save for education, living costs, or post-athletic careers.
- Families of student-athletes Families may back the bill because it gives young athletes a clearer, more structured way to manage money that can be irregular and unfamiliar. They may see it as a safeguard against waste, scams, or poor financial planning.
- College sports compliance and financial advisers Advisers may support a standardized federal account because it could create clearer rules for handling NIL-related savings and investing. That can reduce confusion across schools and states and make compliance easier to administer.
- Tax policy watchdogs Critics may argue that special accounts create another tax preference for a narrow group and complicate the tax code. They may also worry about whether the accounts are being used as intended or as a shelter for income.
- Colleges concerned about recruiting pressure Some schools and administrators may object if the accounts become part of the recruiting environment around NIL compensation. They could see the accounts as adding another layer of financial competition among athletes and programs.
- Supporters of simpler NIL rules Some stakeholders may prefer broader NIL reforms instead of a special account structure. They may argue that student-athletes should be treated like other earners and use existing savings vehicles rather than a separate tax category.
Key Implications
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““establish name, image, and likeness investment accounts””
This indicates a new federal account category tied specifically to NIL earnings. In practical terms, student-athletes could receive a special place to save and invest money earned from endorsements and similar opportunities.
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““amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986””
The bill would change federal tax law rather than college sports rules alone. That means the main effect would come through how the IRS treats contributions, growth, or withdrawals from these accounts.
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““for student-athletes””
The benefit is targeted to people participating in organized sports while enrolled as students. It would not be a general new savings account for all workers or all young people.
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““and for other purposes””
This phrase usually signals additional related rules may be included in the final legislative design. In practice, that can affect eligibility, administration, or compliance details beyond the core account concept.
Official Source & Bill Facts
BillBoard checks this page against public Congress.gov metadata, then adds plain-English analysis where available.
- Bill
- HR 9568
- Congress
- 119th Congress
- Official title
- To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish name, image, and likeness investment accounts for student-athletes, and for other purposes.
- Policy area
- Education
- Latest action
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (June 30, 2026)
- Last updated
- July 1, 2026
Latest Status
June 30, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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