Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order that allows Oklahoma’s post-secondary institutions to facilitate direct payments to student athletes for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), as federal and legal decisions regarding NIL payments remain pending.

According to a release from the governor’s office, the order allows for the creation of foundations that will act as a clearinghouse for entities to contribute to NIL funds without fear of retaliation or investigation from athletic organizations like the NCAA or athletic conferences. The order also ensures that Oklahoma taxpayer dollars will not be used for these payments.

The governor’s release states the measure addresses inconsistent national rules governing NIL payments, which have created uncertainty and disparity among states and athletic conferences. Oklahoma institutions, which belong to different conferences with varying regulations, previously faced potential disadvantages, which the order seeks to mitigate.

The order protects institutions and individuals from investigations or adverse actions by athletic organizations for engaging in NIL-related activities. It includes restrictions preventing the use of state-allocated funds for NIL payments. Upon final settlement of the federal NIL litigation, the order will automatically expire.