With a one-vote margin, the state Senate on March 17 approved a bill to provide taxpayer funding for athletic facility debt service and formalize rules around name, image and likeness. Eleven Republicans and six Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while seven Republicans and nine Democrats voted against it.

A bill that would give the Wisconsin Badgers athletics department taxpayer dollars is heading to the governor's desk. The so-called name,

Wisconsin athletics could be in store for taxpayer money.

A major bill that would provide funding for University of Wisconsin athletic facilities and update Name, Image, and Likeness rules is now awaiting Gov. Tony Evers’ signature.

The legislation allocates more than $14 million a year to UW-Madison.

Oregon State will host Wisconsin in the first round of the WBIT. After a tough Big 10 schedule the Badgers enter the tournament on a 10 game losing streak, but could give the Beavers some trouble.