NCAA to allow college athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness

The NCAA’s Board of Governors voted Tuesday to allow college athletes to profit and receive compensation for their names, images and likenesses.

NCAA college athletes profit

The NCAA’s top governing board voted unanimously to permit students participating in athletics the opportunity to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model.

The Board of Governors’ action directs each of the NCAA’s three divisions to immediately consider updates to relevant bylaws and policies, said Michael V. Drake, chair of the board and president of The Ohio State University.

Statement on the change

“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” Drake said.

“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 board’s action was based upon extensive recommendations from the NCAA Board of Governors Federal and State Legislation Working Group, which includes presidents, commissioners, athletics directors, administrators and student-athletes.