NCAA policy change will allow athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness

The NCAA on Wednesday adopted a policy change that will allow athletes across the country to profit off their name, image and likeness.

The new policy, which applies to Division I athletes, enables athletes to earn compensation from activities such as signing autographs and appearing in commercials. The adoption of the policy by the NCAA came just one day before laws are set to go in effect in several states allowing athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness.

“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement. “With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level.”

Under the new policy, athletes in states where name, image and likeness are in effect can engage in activities that are allowed under the law. Athletes in states without those laws can engage in activities consistent with the NCAA’s new policy.

California’s law on that issue isn’t scheduled to go into effect until 2023, but lawmakers are attempting to change that timeline and make it take effect later this year.

– Michael Burke