Gov. Ron DeSantis called for reforms in college athletics, advocating for fair compensation for athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and proposing regulatory enhancements to manage the transfer portal system to maintain stability in sports.

Gov. Ron DeSantis advocated for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) reform in college athletics during a press conference on Wednesday, calling for fair compensation for athletes and regulatory enhancements to the transfer portal system.

Though reiterating his support for NIL, DeSantis — who enacted one of the initial NIL bills to permit college athletes to earn income from their personal brand — contended that athletes deserve financial benefits if their name or image generates revenue. DeSantis drew parallels between athletes and other students, such as musicians, who can freely monetize their talents, noting an inconsistency in the current framework.

“My view was, if they’re selling your jersey with your name on, and they’re making money off of you … you have a right,” DeSantis said, arguing that athletes should be able to recoup a portion of profits made off of their name or likeness. “How come someone could be in, like the band, and they could do a YouTube channel, make money, but just because you’re an athlete, you can’t?”

The governor also raised concerns regarding the college athletics transfer portal, describing it as akin to “yearly free agency.” He pointed out that the current system allows athletes to frequently transfer schools for better financial opportunities, leading to instability in college sports programs.

“It’s almost like yearly free agency,” said DeSantis. “You know, you play for one team, and well, I can make more money here, so I think there needs to be a framework in place.”

DeSantis called for a structured framework to manage the transfer portal, suggesting that unchecked transfers could harm team dynamics and continuity. He mentioned plans to discuss potential solutions with other governors but expressed skepticism about Congress’s ability to address the issue effectively.

“I’ve talked to to some other governors … maybe we can kind of come together on on some things,” he said. “I don’t think Congress is ever going to address this.”