As the Wisconsin State Senate begins what is expected to be the final floor session of the year, its packed agenda includes more than 100 bills, notably including a bill that would provide nearly $14.6 million in taxpayer funds for NIL spending at UW-Madison (plus $200k each for UW-Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay). The goal is to free up existing athletics department funds so the university can meet the ~$20.5 million in annual revenue-sharing/NIL obligations.
Republicans in the Assembly advanced this bill, but in the Senate, they face pressure under the informal “Rule of 17” (a GOP-only precedent requiring at least 17 Republican votes to bring a bill to the floor). To advance these priorities before the session winds down, GOP leaders will likely bypass that rule and rely on Democratic votes, as 3 legislative Republican senators voted against the bill in committee. It also codifies existing UW NIL policies into state law, clarifies that paid athletes are not university employees, allows agents, etc., and includes a broad open-records exemption for athletics financials, which has drawn criticism from open government proponents.
Republicans hold the Senate majority, but there is notable GOP infighting. Sen. Chris Kapenga (R) warned on the same “UPFRONT” show that Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu could lose his leadership post if he brings these bills up (especially sports betting). A point that could be rendered moot if rumors are correct and LeMahiew won’t run for reelection this fall.
