Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) has been a source of contention in college sports for decades. According to a report by USNews, Eric Crouch was once suspended for accepting a ham sandwich and a short plane ride, valuing $22.77. Therefore he had to write a check to pay it back. According to the same report, current NCAA athletes are subsequently signing NIL deals worth millions of dollars to capitalize on their own likenesses. The US Supreme Court changed the policy on a ruling stating college athletes should be allowed to make money from their own names. Gone are the days of colleges and universities monopolizing completely on their student athletes.
Many believed that this ruling for allowing NIL deals was long overdue. Among these was Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who, as a result, had the most severe criticism of the NCAA in the court’s ruling. The following quote was obtained from a USA Today story, found here:
"Nowhere else in America can businesses get away with agreeing not to pay their workers a fair market rate on the theory that their product is defined by not paying their workers a fair market rate. And under ordinary principles of antitrust law, it is not evident why college sports should be any different.
"The NCAA is not above the law."
Of the enormous sums of money generated by college athletics, Kavanaugh wrote:
"Those enormous sums of money flow to seemingly everyone except the student athletes. College presidents, athletic directors, coaches, conference commissioners, and NCAA executives take in six- and seven-figure salaries. Colleges build lavish new facilities. But the student athletes who generate the revenues, many of whom are African American and from lower-income backgrounds, end up with little or nothing."
What Does The Supreme Court’s Ruling Mean for NIL Deals?
In the most basic terms, the ruling means that student athletes can brand and market themselves. While schools don't pay players, they can now create their own brands and make money from their own names.
The college sports world has certainly already seen student athletes sign lucrative NIL deals worth millions of dollars. Before the Supreme Court’s ruling, such deals were illegal and could result in harsh penalties for athletes and schools.
What Can Mayfield Sports Marketing Do for College Athletes Navigating NIL Deals?
NIL is about to change the world of athletes as we know it. The NCAA’s move to allow athletes to make money from their name, image, and likeness is certainly bold. Contact MSM to get you ahead of the game.
Athletes in many states benefit from NIL deals. They can now see even more benefits off the field from their continuous hard work and athletic prowess. If you live in a state where legislation has passed, and you want to get a jump on your athletic exposure, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your future is now!
* Disclaimer**
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the Green Bay Packers or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
