NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A bill setting aside millions for New Mexico college sports is moving forward. On Monday, the Senate Education Committee approved the bill which would allocate $2.5 million each to the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University athletics in hopes of supporting team travel, attendance costs, and student-athlete services like nutrition, training, and mental health programs.
The sponsors say SB 268 is not intended to pay for a student’s name, image, or likeness, also known as NIL. “In my conversation with the UNM athletic director, he is not planning on using this money for NIL. He’s planning on using it for his students, and that’s where is is in need of money,” said Sen. George Muñoz (D-Gallup).
The committee removed a line from the bill saying NMSU’s funds were contingent on the university hiring an athletic director with NIL experience.