INDIANAPOLIS (AP)-The NCAA is moving forward with a plan to allow college athletes to earn money for endorsements and a host of other activities involving personal appearances and social media content.
The NCAA announced Wednesday that its Board of Governors supports permitting athletes the ability to cash in on their names, images and likenesses as never before and without involvement from the association, schools or conferences.
Ohio State President and board chairman Michael Drake called it an “unprecedented” move by the NCAA.
The need for change now was sped up by pressure from state lawmakers. California was first to pass a bill into law that would make it illegal for NCAA schools to prohibit college athletes from making money on endorsements, social media advertising and other activities tied to name, image and likeness.
Dozens of states have followed California’s lead, some more aggressively than others. California’s law does not go into effect until 2023 while a Florida bill awaiting the governor’s signature would go into effect July 2021.
“It’s clear we need Congress’ help in all of this,” Emmert said.
NCAA leaders have already been engaged with federal lawmakers.
The working group was put together about a year ago, but its work kicked into high gear since the NCAA convention in January.
