The NCAA has officially started the process of allowing student-athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness. The organization made the announcement on Tuesday. The top governing board voted unanimously to allow college athletes to be compensated, though the NCAA’s three divisions must still craft their own rules and detail the specifics.
California became the first state to pass a law that would allow college athletes to get paid for endorsement deals and hire sports agents. Despite the NCAA’s latest decision, the organization said that California’s law is still “likely unconstitutional.”
That law takes effect in 2023.
The NCAA reiterated in its press release on Tuesday that student-athletes will still be treated similarly to non-athlete students. The NCAA also insists that college athletes must not be treated like employees of their respective universities.
They emphasized that there should be a “clear distinction between college and professional opportunities.”
Tuesday’s decision comes after the NFL Players Association and National College Players Association announced Monday that they would explore ways to ensure that college athletes get a share of revenue stemming from the sale of their name, image and likeness.
An NCAA working group will continue to solicit feedback through April and eventually refine recommendations.
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