The question of whether to compensate college athletes is a lightning rod for controversy in the business of sports. But the NCAA appears to be taking steps towards allowing athletes to be paid for endorsements.
Ralph D. Russo of the Associated Press reported student-athletes would be cleared to pursue sponsorships from companies and “third parties:”
Recommended rule changes that would clear the way for athletes to earn money from their names, images and likeness are being reviewed by college sports administrators this week before being sent to the NCAA Board of Governors, which meets Monday and Tuesday.
If adopted, the rules would allow athletes to make sponsorship and endorsement deals with all kinds of companies and third parties, from car dealerships to concert promoters to pizza shops, according to a person who has reviewed the recommendations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the details were still being discussed and debated.
Russo added the NCAA is hoping to have some form of legislation finalized so that it can take effect in January of 2021.
The athletes pursuing endorsements would be required to refrain from wearing or promoting “school-branded” material, and they would also have to disclose financial terms with their respective athletic departments.
Still, this is a big step for collegiate athletes. The NCAA has been criticized seemingly ad nauseam for the compensation issue in recent years. This year provided a pair of examples, with Ohio State EDGE rusher Chase Young and former Memphis center James Wiseman receiving separate punishments.
Despite those rulings, however, this rule would seem to empower the players to seek out opportunities and refrain from accepting money from “boosters.”
Though nothing is finalized, it seems the NCAA is finally working to restructure an outdated rule book.
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