JS Story: How proposed bill could impact Wisconsin's NIL, provide public funding

[UWW2MU]

There's a bill going around in the Wisconsin state assembly that would address several open concerns regarding NIL and how it's handled in the state along with a few other collegiate athletics issues. 

One of those other issues is a change in funding for debt service on Badger athletics facilities to the toon of almost $15 MILLLION annually that would become tax payer funded.  Right now that money comes from the operation of the facilities (40% by law is required to be self funded by the athletics department) but this bill would eliminate that requirement and instead be paid for by Wisconsin tax payers. 

Basically, if the bill passes as-is, taxpayers are giving UW an extra $14.6 million per year to fund their bloated athletics budget. 

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/02/19/how-proposed-bill-could-impact-wisconsins-nil-provide-public-funding/88750236007/ 

Link may be behind a paywall. 

[BrewCity83]

I'm a Wisconsin taxpayer and I object to that in the strongest terms possible.

[Billy Hoyle]

sad to say that is not uncommon throughout the country. Flagship public schools are getting state funds for rev share.

https://alohastatedaily.com/2026/02/13/uh-testifies-for-increased-nil-support/

[MUDPT]

It did pass the assembly yesterday.

[Pakuni]

If they didn't use tax money on this, they'd probably just waste it on something dumb like feeding poor kids.

[cheebs09]

Will this make me a booster where I can go out and start committing recruiting violations in the name of UW?

[forgetful]

Honestly, this is another example of why athletics and universities may no longer be a good fit.

I love college sports, but it is all starting to get ridiculous now and is completely divorced from the educational mission.

[#UnleashJosh]

Meh, compared to the funding for other uw athletics based on tax payers.... does this even make a ripple?