AN ACT TO ENACT THE ATHLETES AGENTS REFORM ACT; TO REQUIRE ATHLETE AGENTS TO MAKE CERTAIN DISCLOSURES TO STUDENT-ATHLETES BEFORE EXECUTING AN AGENCY CONTRACT OR ENDORSEMENT CONTRACT; TO CREATE THE STUDENT-ATHLETE PROTECTION FUND AS A SPECIAL FUND WITHIN THE TREASURY; TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO COMPENSATE CERTAIN STUDENT-ATHLETES; TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT- ATHLETE HAS A RIGHT OF ACTION AGAINST AN ATHLETE AGENT FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY A VIOLATION OF THIS ACT; TO AUTHORIZE A COURT TO DIRECT COMPENSATION FROM THE STUDENT-ATHLETE PROTECTION FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "ATHLETE AGENT" TO INCLUDE ATTORNEYS, MARKETERS, OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS OF STUDENT-ATHLETES; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE FEES FOR REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL OF LICENSES UNDER THIS CHAPTER; TO PROVIDE THAT 33% OF THE FUNDS COLLECTED FOR LICENSE REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE STUDENT-ATHLETE PROTECTION FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT ATHLETE AGENTS FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS THAT WOULD CREATE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE; TO PROHIBIT ATHLETE AGENTS FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS THAT RESULT IN DUAL REPRESENTATION WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ACTING AS AN ATHLETE AGENT IN THIS STATE BEFORE BEING ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION IS A FELONY; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO PENALIZE ANY INDIVIDUAL ACTING AS AN ATHLETE AGENT IN THIS STATE BEFORE BEING ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; TO AMEND SECTION 734219, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO DIRECT CODIFICATION OF CERTAIN SECTIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
SB 2682, the Athletes Agents Reform Act, would revise Mississippi law governing contracts between student-athletes and athlete agents. The bill adds or reinforces disclosure and timing requirements for agency contracts, including a requirement that the student-athlete and athlete agent notify the athletic director, if one exists, within 72 hours after entering into the contract. It also gives student-athletes a 14-day right to cancel the contract after signing, while making clear that cancellation does not restore athletic eligibility.
The bill further requires the athlete agent to provide the student-athlete a copy of the signed agency contract at the time of signing. If an agency contract does not comply with the statutory requirements, it would be voidable by the student-athlete. The bill states that the relevant provisions will be codified in Chapter 42 of Title 73 and would take effect July 1, 2026.
SB 2682 would amend Mississippi’s athlete-agent regulatory framework by creating or clarifying statutory protections for student-athletes entering into agency contracts. It would affect athlete agents, student-athletes, and athletic departments by imposing notice, disclosure, and cancellation rules, and by making nonconforming contracts voidable at the student-athlete’s option. The bill would also place these provisions into the Mississippi Code under Title 73, Chapter 42, thereby integrating them into the state’s existing sports-agent law.
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be a straightforward reform bill with no recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials. The language is regulatory and consumer-protective in tone, suggesting an intent to standardize athlete-agent contracting practices and protect student-athletes from unclear or rushed agreements. Because there is no transcript or vote history included, there is no evidence of organized opposition or support in the available record.
The main potential point of contention is the balance between protecting student-athletes and preserving their ability to quickly enter representation agreements. The 14-day cancellation right and mandatory notice to athletic directors may be viewed by some as helpful safeguards, while athlete agents or athletic programs could see them as burdensome or as interfering with recruiting and representation relationships. Another possible issue is the bill’s explicit statement that cancellation does not reinstate eligibility, which may limit the practical value of the cancellation right for athletes concerned about immediate participation.