Washington schools oppose bill allowing student athletes to be paid

2-20-2019

SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) — Washington’s two largest universities told lawmakers they oppose a proposal to allow student athletes to be paid.

The proposal would allow student athletes to be paid for games and sponsorships like professionals.

If approved, Washington would be the first in the nation to try out these changes amid an ongoing national debate.

The University of Washington and Washington State University say the decision should be made on the national level, not the state level.

A representative from a group of independent colleges including Gonzaga and Whitman also opposed the bill.