On Tuesday, the NCAA Board of Governors took the first step toward allowing student-athletes to cash in on the fame they generate from playing college sports.
Though no change will go into effect immediately, the policy-making group voted to permit to athletes “the opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model.”
The vote was held after the Board of Governors received a report from a special committee that had been appointed to examine the possibility of athletes being able to cash in on their fame.
“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” Board of Governors chairman and president of Ohio State University Michael Drake said in a statement. “Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”
The vote comes on the heels of California implementing a law set to take effect in 2023 that would allow athletes to retain their scholarships and prevent them from being kicked off teams for signing endorsement deals.
It’s huge day for the 450,000 or so NCAA athletes nationwide.
Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Meet your guide
More Like This
The Charge will help you move better, think clearer and stay in the game longer. Subscribe to our wellness newsletter today.
