By Loveth 
Illinois is looking to level the playing field in college sports recruitment by offering a tax break to athletes cashing in on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). A new proposal, backed by State Rep. Travis Weaver, would exempt up to $100,000 of NIL earnings from state income tax, making Illinois schools more attractive to recruits.
With states like Georgia and Alabama considering eliminating taxes on NIL earnings entirely, Illinois is trying to stay competitive. The goal? Encourage more homegrown talent to stick around, especially at smaller schools like Bradley and Loyola Chicago.
Critics argue the plan could be unfair to other students earning money through social media or entertainment. But Weaver believes the economic boost from more successful sports programs—higher enrollment, bigger game attendance, and increased merchandise sales—makes it a worthy investment.
Would a tax break be enough to sway top athletes to stay? That remains to be seen, but Illinois is taking its shot.