Another state moves to keep payments to college athletes secret - AP News
AP News
February 19, 2026
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Another state has taken steps to shield payments made to college athletes from public scrutiny, raising questions about transparency and fairness in amateur sports. The move comes amid ongoing debates over whether colleges should disclose financial arrangements with student-athletes, particularly as more schools provide stipends or other forms of compensation. This latest effort to keep payment details secret highlights the growing tension between maintaining the appearance of amateurism and addressing the realities of modern collegiate athletics.
The state's new bill aims to classify these payments as confidential, arguing that they fall under private agreements between institutions and athletes. Proponents claim this will protect student-athletes from external pressures or exploitation while allowing schools to manage their programs without interference. However, critics argue that such secrecy undermines accountability and could lead to unequal treatment of athletes, potentially violating anti-discrimination laws.
This issue has broader implications for sports governance and public trust. Advocates for transparency emphasize the importance of ensuring that payments are fair and non-discriminatory. They warn that keeping these details hidden could perpetuate inequities and harm the integrity of college sports. Meanwhile, supporters of the new law stress the need
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026