The Brief A bill allowing Texas universities to directly pay college athletes has passed in the Texas Legislature and is headed to the governor's desk. This bill is in response to an NCAA settlement involving payments to college athletes nationwide. A bill that opens the door for universities in Texas to pay college athletes is headed to the governor’s desk. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)What we know:Since 2021, college athletes have been able to receive payments for their name, image, and likeness from companies and boosters. HB 126 changes Texas law, which currently does not allow colleges to pay athletes directly.