Why California Will Allow Student Athletes to Sign Endorsement Deals

Running back Markese Stepp #30 of the USC Trojans reacts to his play earning a first down against the Utah Utes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Sept. 20, 2019. Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

A new law in California allows college athletes to hire agents and make money from endorsement or sponsorship deals, and it could set a precedent for other states to follow.

Last month, the California legislature approved SB-206, the Fair Pay to Play Act, co-authored by State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and State Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena). The bill was signed into law by the governor on Sept. 30.