CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — In the new world of college athletics, the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) system has changed the way of the game forever. But West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is stepping up to the plate to ensure there is structure within the state.

“More than 30 states have passed NIL related legislation since the NCAA adopted an interim policy in 2021, allowing student athletes to profit off their personal brands,” Morrisey said at a press conference Friday. “Now West Virginia joins those states to be able to open up those opportunities and make recruiting more competitive for the Mountaineers, for the Thundering Herd, and quite frankly for all institutions across West Virginia.”

House Bill 2595 allows for universities to found non-profits to manage revenue sharing and NIL opportunities for student-athletes. Instead of outside groups managing the money, schools will now be able to directly organize opportunities for athletes.

Charleston attorney Paul Saluja said it will help schools be competitive in this new landscape.

"By having these two bills, we now have just leveled the play in the field,” Saluja said. "With House Bill 2595 and 2576, we're like on the forefront now of the NIL revolution."

House Bill 2576 lays out ground rules for athlete compensation and makes sure athletes won't be considered employees. This also restricts deals with tobacco, alcohol and cannabis products. Saluja said this will help athletes from breaking other rules within the NCAA.

“You don't want a 19-year-old to be turning around and sponsoring alcohol," he said. "Obviously, the drinking age is 21. They don't want it for adult entertainment gambling and obviously for controlled substances. So once again, I think this is good."

Saluja feels this new legislation is a big win for West Virginia.

“The reality is this time WVU is not last in something, and this is fantastic for the state.”