A bill passed by the Legislature could lead to endorsement deals for intercollegiate student - athletes at schools in the state of Nebraska.
The proposal now goes to the Governor after gaining final approval on a 37-6 vote.
It does not provide for salaries, but the student - athletes would not face penalties for signing a sponsorship deal.
Omaha State Senator Megan Hunt says she sponsored the bill to give student - athletes a way to support themselves.
She argues they are are essentially giving free labor to NCAA - sanctioned programs that generate millions of dollars a year for athletic departments, potentially at a risk to their own health.