Stitt exec. order allowing schools to directly pay NIL to players

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Name, Image, Likeness has become the biggest thing in college athletics. Now, there’s been a big step from the state capitol that allows post-secondary schools in the state to give direct payments to players for the use of their NIL, as it’s called.

"It gets universities, you know, who are chomping at the bit to get this going, to get going,” sports radio analyst Jerry Ramsey said.

College sports as we once knew it is rapidly changing. The executive order that came down Thursday jumps into that landscape by allowing schools themselves to facilitate direct NIL payments to student athletes. Stitt said in a news release that it’s to help all post secondary schools in the state stay competitive as things continue to change.

"It allows universities to go ahead and show that they are paying their players,” Ramsey said.

Schools paying players was once a foreign concept, at least out in the open, to the college athletics landscape.

For example, Southern Methodist University received the “death penalty” for a pay to play scandal back in the late ‘80’s. Stitt’s executive order also allows for foundations to “act as a clearing house for entities to contribute to nil funds without fear of retaliation or investigation from athletic organizations." This, as plenty of federal legal decisions and even potential legislation on the matter are pending and with revenue sharing among schools starting this year. Ramsey said it’s essentially a placeholder for the time being.

"All it did was take a machete and then cut through the red tape of this for the state,” he said.

Presidents of the state’s two biggest universities, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State jumped on board.

Both of their statements can be read in full below.

"The University of Oklahoma thanks Governor Stitt for his bold leadership in signing Executive Order 2025-01 which represents a crucial step in ensuring that Oklahoma's higher education institutions remain competitive and forward-thinking in the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. At the University of Oklahoma, we are committed to a holistic approach to student-athlete development—one that prioritizes academic achievement, athletic excellence, and personal growth. This action strengthens our ability to recruit, retain and cultivate extraordinary talent, positioning our student-athletes for success in every aspect of their lives. By empowering student-athletes to fully leverage the value of their name, image, and likeness, we are providing them with the tools and ability to excel during their time at the University of Oklahoma and in their future endeavors while also ensuring Oklahoma’s student-athletes can compete on a level playing field with their peers in other states. As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to shift, the University of Oklahoma is committed to leading with innovation and positioning our student-athletes—and the state of Oklahoma—for enduring success." said Joe Harroz, OU President.

“We appreciate the efforts of OSU Cowboy @GovStitt to make sure universities in Oklahoma field teams that are nationally competitive. His executive order brings exciting possibilities for our institutions, our student athletes and our fans. Go Pokes!”  Dr. Kayce Shrum, OSU President in a tweet

"It's going to affect a lot of schools statewide,” Ramsey said.

No taxpayer dollars would be used for the payments and the order would expire if a settlement is reached in the federal litigation, or if any federal laws are enacted governing student athlete payments.