In Austin and the rest of the nation, the business of college sports is changing

In this 2019 file photo, the Texas Longhorns take on Louisiana State University at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. A bill in front of Gov. Greg Abbott would allow collegiate athletes at UT and other universities around the state to profit off their names, images and likenessess. (Jack Flagler/Community Impact Newspaper)

Fans of the University of Texas athletics programs may not notice a major difference on the field this fall, but the college sports business model at UT and universities around the country is preparing for a shift.

A bill that passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature and went to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott June 1 would allow athletes to receive payments for their names, images and likenesses, or NIL, in a move state lawmakers say is an attempt to keep up with the shifting tides of athletic recruiting nationwide.

Senate Bill 1385, authored by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would not allow athletes to be paid…

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