A supreme court ruling has paved the way for college athletes to make money from a $14bn industry. But don’t expect many of them to strike it rich
College sports’ governing body, the NCAA, ruled on Wednesday that college athletes will be allowed to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL), a historic ruling by the 115-year-old institution. It’s pretty easy to figure out why the NCAA is making the decision now – and it’s not because they’re concerned about college athletes’ bank balances. Last week, the supreme court unanimously ruled in favor of college athletes in a case that paved the way for them to be paid. Then, on Wednesday, a variety of state laws were set to change that would allow athletes to legally pursue NIL profits. The NCAA’s ruling, which came a mere 12 hours before the sweeping legal changes, ensures that athletes in all 50 states will be eligible to make money off of their fame.
Why is this a “historic” ruling?
Related: ‘I signed my life to rich white guys’: athletes on the racial dynamics of college sports
