College Athletes Could Earn Endorsement Cash if New Law Approved

File Photo.

FRESNO (KMJ) – The State of California is getting closer to letting college athletes make money.

The state Assembly has passed legislation to allow college athletes to get paid for endorsements, setting up a potential confrontation with the NCAA.

The bill would let college athletes hire agents and be paid for the use of their name, image or likeness, and it would stop universities and the NCAA from banning athletes who take the money.

The assembly passed the bill 66-0 on Monday.

Universities oppose the bill, and the NCAA has warned it could mean California universities would be ineligible for national championships.

The senate must take a final vote on the bill by Friday.

Click below to listen to the report by Clint Olivier: