The inevitability and wisdom of college athletic departments and their foundations coordinating name, image and likeness compensation for their enrolled athletes has long been clear. Overriding NCAA policy, state law soon will grant Virginia schools that option.
Wednesday’s reconvened session of the General Assembly will determine whether the bill, passed by the House and Senate and supported by Gov. Glenn Youngkin , becomes law July 1 or Nov. 15. The latter date comes into play if Wednesday’s session requests a review of the bill by the General Assembly’s Athletics Review Commission.
“It will be law regardless,” said the bill’s sponsor, Del. Terry Austin, R-Botetourt.
Austin said he worked closely on the measure with state Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach , an All-ACC safety at Virginia Tech in 2005 and third-round NFL draft choice of the Green Bay Packers in 2007.
“We involved all the universities,” Austin said. “Virginia Tech, UVa, JMU, Liberty, VMI, ODU, VCU. We contacted them and had input from them and advised them what we were doing. And they all agreed and got on board.”
VCU basketball player Joe Bamisile recently signed autographs at a Richmond Planet Fitness.
Photo courtesy of Planet Fitness
Officials at several in-state schools declined comment until Youngkin’s ceremonial signing, which is expected Thursday.
The NCAA’s years-long and antiquated resistance to athlete compensation is why this issue has spilled into politics. Indeed, the association began permitting athletes to strike NIL deals without the assistance of schools in 2021 only after repeated courtroom defeats.
But that didn’t stop legal challenges to NCAA policies governing matters such as athletes’ ability to transfer and how they earn NIL income. In January, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares joined with his Tennessee counterpart, Jonathan Skrmetti, in an antitrust suit disputing the NCAA’s NIL restrictions.
Within a month, federal Judge Clifton Corker issued a preliminary injunction barring the NCAA from enforcing its guidelines.
Similarly, Austin’s measure prohibits any association or conference from sanctioning athletes and schools for NIL activities permitted by the bill.
As schools nationwide essentially outsource NIL deals to collectives and other groups that usually operate with athletic department approval, the Virginia bill will permit institutions and their fundraising arms to create and negotiate NIL opportunities.
That will be a win for athletes, schools and donors.
Athletes will have another resource that can facilitate NIL activities. That resource will be free and, per the bill’s language, will not qualify athletes as employees.
Bringing NIL in-house will allow schools to streamline monitoring and funding. Meanwhile, benefactors will no longer have to choose whether to give money to a collective for NIL or an athletic department for scholarships and facilities.
That distinction is vital to boosters, whose seat locations and parking privileges often hinge on how much they donate to the athletic department. Once the law takes effect, money donors earmark for NIL can enhance their ticket and parking status.
Virginia’s law will ban NIL compensation connected to alcoholic beverages, cannabis, tobacco, controlled substances, gambling, firearms and adult entertainment. Prior to entering NIL deals, athletes will be required to disclose them to their schools, which may block arrangements that conflict “with an existing institutional agreement.”
Athletes will need permission to use school facilities, equipment, apparel and logos in NIL activities. Schools will have the right to prohibit NIL endorsements during academic and team functions such as class, competition, practice and travel.
“Personally, I’m speaking for myself only, if we do not do this, if we do not posture ourselves to compete, we’re going to get in a situation where we only fall further behind (in recruiting),” Austin said. “It’s too important for the economy of the commonwealth, not just the universities, to grow in all sports, not just football. Football’s the major driver, but all sports.”
Oklahoma and Mississippi are among the states considering legislation similar to Virginia’s, according to On3.com.
“I think it’s great for Virginia as a whole and to be out front,” said a source. “It’s where the rest of the country will end up one way or the other in due time.”
Photos from the NCAA Tournament National Championship
UConn players celebrate after the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn celebrates their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn celebrates their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn celebrates their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn players celebrate as time expires during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley embraces forward Alex Karaban during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn players celebrate as time expires during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn players celebrate as time expires during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn celebrates after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn players celebrate as time expires during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn players celebrate as time expires during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Solomon Ball (1) celebrates as time expires during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Cam Spencer (12) celebrates after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) celebrates with guard Apostolos Roumoglou (33) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Cam Spencer hugs UConn guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) celebrates with guard Apostolos Roumoglou (33) during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley hugs guard Stephon Castle during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley hugs guard Stephon Castle during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley hugs forward Alex Karaban during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with UConn guard Stephon Castle (5) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban (11) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban (11) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban (11) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton (2) celebrates after scoring against Purdue during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn forward Alex Karaban dunks as Purdue guard Braden Smith (3) defends during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) reacts to a foul call during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Fletcher Loyer (2) shoots over UConn forward Alex Karaban during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Hassan Diarra (10) scores past Purdue guard Myles Colvin (5) during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Hassan Diarra (10) shoots past Purdue guard Myles Colvin during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton (2) celebrates after scoring Purdue during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Braden Smith (3) shoots against UConn during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton (2) shoots against Purdue during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) fouls UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn center Donovan Clingan, right, Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn, left, and center Zach Edey follow the loose ball during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) fouls Purdue center Zach Edey (15) during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Lance Jones, left, and UConn guard Cam Spencer battle for the ball during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey shoots as UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) defends during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) reaches for the ball as Purdue center Zach Edey defends during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Lance Jones (55) vies for the ball with UConn guard Cam Spencer (12) during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Lance Jones (55) vies for the ball with UConn guard Cam Spencer (12) during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) and Purdue center Zach Edey battle for the rebound during the second half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Stephon Castle, right, drives on Purdue guard Lance Jones during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton (2) shoots over Purdue guard Myles Colvin (5) and center Zach Edey (15) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) shoots over UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey, left, and UConn center Donovan Clingan battle for the ball during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton, right, is pressured by Purdue guard Braden Smith during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey and UConn forward Alex Karaban (11) reach for the ball during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton, right, shoots over Purdue guard Myles Colvin (5) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) vies for the ball with UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Stephon Castle (5) drives as Purdue guard Lance Jones defends during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue head coach Matt Painter yells during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Fletcher Loyer motions towards the crowd during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue and UConn tip-off during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton (2) shoots over Purdue center Zach Edey (15) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey celebraters after a basket against UConn during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue head coach Matt Painter yells during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue head coach Matt Painter yells during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) vies for the ball with UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) is fouled by UConn guard Hassan Diarra during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn is fouled by UConn guard Hassan Diarra (10) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Hassan Diarra (10) goes over the top of Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey shoots over UConn center Donovan Clingan, left, during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey dunks over UConn center Donovan Clingan, left, during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Cam Spencer, right, looks to pass under pressure from Purdue guard Braden Smith during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) knocks the ball away from UConn guard Hassan Diarra during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Hassan Diarra celebrates after scoring against Purdue during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Hassan Diarra (10) goes over the top of Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton drives as Purdue center Zach Edey (15) defends during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton drives as Purdue center Zach Edey, right, defends during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) blockd the shot of UConn guard Tristen Newton during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) runs up court with UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey celebrates after blocking a shot against UConn during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) shoots over UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton (2) passes around Purdue center Zach Edey (15) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley react during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn head coach Dan Hurley reacts towards the referee during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Cam Spencer (12) drives as Purdue guard Fletcher Loyer (2) defends during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) drives to the basket past UConn forward Alex Karaban (11) and center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Stephon Castle (5) shoots over Purdue during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue head coach Matt Painter reacts during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Lance Jones drives as UConn guard Cam Spencer (12) defends during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Tristen Newton, right, is fouled by Purdue guard Fletcher Loyer during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn guard Cam Spencer celebrates a basket against Purdue during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue guard Lance Jones (55) passes over UConn guard Tristen Newton (2) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) shoots over UConn center Donovan Clingan (32) during the first half of the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
A UConn fan cheers before the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
A UConn fan cheers before the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
UConn fans cheer before the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against Purdue, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
David J. Phillip - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue fans cheer prior to the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue fans cheer prior to the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue fans cheer prior to the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game against UConn, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
Brynn Anderson - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS