UT HB0297

Utah higher education institutions must obtain prior legislative approval through joint resolution before entering into, renewing, or materially amending agreements with private capital firms involving intercollegiate athletics programs

Covered agreements include those conveying ownership interests, revenue-sharing rights, control rights over athletics governance, or joint ventures tied to athletics revenues

Exemptions apply to fee-for-service contracts at fair market value, sponsorship/licensing/advertising deals without revenue-sharing or control rights, charitable gifts without repayment requirements, and traditional debt financing like tax-exempt bonds

Institutions must provide the state auditor with all accounts related to intercollegiate athletics operations upon request

Effective date is May 6, 2026, or immediately upon two-thirds approval by both legislative chambers