In June 2021, the NCAA adopted a policy allowing college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This policy now allows for student-athletes, in all divisions of NCAA sports, to earn profits from their NIL. There is no uniform federal legislation on how to address college athletes’ NIL and players are subject to their own state’s regulations as well as their school’s policies.
After almost a year since the NIL policy’s approval and enactment, student athletes have been earning compensation from things such as merchandise, camps/clinics, sponsorships, endorsements, and far more. Not only does this create financial benefits, but athletes also now have greater abilities to market themselves and create their own brands.