The NCAA moved a step closer to eliminating its red-line ban against student athletes exploiting their publicity rights, while keeping pay-for-play and recruitment inducement prohibitions in place.
The college sports governing body issued a press release Monday saying its Division I Council recommended suspension of amateurism rules related to name, image, and likeness.
If the Division I Board of Directors adopts the change, college athletes could engage in publicity rights activities, including with companies that manage such rights, but would have to report their activities and conform to state law. The board is set to meet on June 30.
The move represents another step toward increased rights for student athletes amid public and legal scrutiny of the NCAA’s model of strict amateurism for athletes in a multibillion-dollar industry. But it also indicates the NCAA remains resolved to prevent direct university payment for athletes or inducements for recruits.
Last week the U.S. Supreme Court ruled NCAA restrictions on schools paying education-related expenses violated antitrust law. In addition, dozens of states have passed laws explicitly granting college athletes publicity rights.
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