Initial Research

Began in-depth research for the NIL presentation.  Began by understanding the evolution of rules and regulations around Name, image and likeness related to NCAA eligible athletes.  The discussion around NIL rights gained momentum in the 1990s and early 2000s when several high-profile college athletes challenged the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and its policies. These athletes argued that while they brought substantial revenue and exposure to their respective universities, they were unable to profit from their own name, image, and likeness. In response to these challenges, the NCAA implemented certain regulations to maintain the amateur status of college athletes and prevent them from profiting off their NIL. This meant that student-athletes could face penalties and even lose their eligibility if they received any form of compensation or benefits related to their NIL. The movement for NIL reform gained significant traction in recent years, with numerous states passing legislation to allow student-athletes to profit from their NIL rights. California was the first state to enact such a law in 2019, and many others followed suit, including Florida, Colorado, and New Jersey. Recognizing the need for a consistent nationwide approach, the NCAA ultimately announced in 2020 its intention to adopt new NIL rules that would allow student-athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness. These rules were initially planned to be implemented in 2021 but faced delays. On July 1, 2021, an interim policy went into effect in states without their own NIL laws, allowing student-athletes nationwide to profit from their NIL. This temporary policy was a stepping stone towards the broader NIL reforms that were under consideration. Finally, on June 30, 2021, the NCAA Board of Directors voted to approve new NIL legislation, providing all college athletes with the opportunity to benefit from their NIL rights. This change was a significant shift in the NCAA's long standing framework.