WASHINGTON, DC (April 15, 2024) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congressman Mike Flood (NE-01) introduced the Name, Image, and Likeness for International Collegiate Athletes Act, bipartisan legislation to modify F-1 visas and allow employment authorization for international student athletes who enter into endorsement contracts for the commercial use of their names, images, and likenesses.

“There are over 25,000 international student athletes nationwide participating across NCAA sports, with over 150 in North Carolina’s Fourth District alone. Since 2021, these athletes have been prohibited from profiting from name, image, and likeness contracts in the same manner as their American counterparts,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “I’m proud to join Congressman Flood in introducing this bill that will modify F-1 visas to allow international student-athletes to profit from NIL agreements, without worrying about these agreements affecting their visa status.” 

“International students already can pursue part time employment during college. This legislation seeks to ensure that international collegiate athletes also have the opportunity to receive compensation in Name, Image, and Likeness promotions,” said Congressman Mike Flood. “Thank you to my colleague Rep. Foushee for co-leading this with me here in the House, and I look forward to working with her as well as Senators Ricketts and Blumenthal on passage of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for International Collegiate Athletes Act in the coming months.”

The bill text can be found here. The bill text for the Senate companion, S.3054, by Senator Ricketts (R-NE) and Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) can be found here.