We can now add Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany to the list of people who have very strong opinions on whether or not student-athletes should be able to sell the rights to their name, image and likeness.
Like many in positions of authority, in the California SB 206 aftermath, Delany isn't really here for it. Furthermore, his solution is for college sports to stop operating as feeder systems to the pros.
“My view is that there may be some players who are ready for the professional ranks, but that’s not for the college ranks,” said Jim Delany, who is retiring Jan. 1, via The AP. “I would like to see players who are ready for the professional ranks to be able to access the professional game either through the G-League or I’d like to see the owners and unions open opportunities for young players as they have in baseball. Same thing about the NFL. We’re not the minor leagues.”
During media day with the Ben Ten Conference, there were varying opinions on the matter. Richard Pitino appeared to welcome NIL bills with open arms, Tom Izzo claimed ignorance while still complaining about politicians, and Fred Hoiberg joked about wanting it for when he was in college so many years ago.
Nevertheless, with numerous states now having begun to draw bills similar to California's SB 206, which does all student-athletes to benefit off their NIL, Jim Delany and other people in positions of authority might be reacting to new law rather than attempting to impede it moving forward.
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