What is Name, Image, Likeness?
The idea of paying college athletes for, well, being college athletes has been an idea in dispute for years. Many think that paying college athletes will shorten the funds of college athletic programs, create an unnecessary amount of 'reward' for playing for a certain college, and do not think it is fair. The allowance of college athlete sponsorship becomes dire.
NIL, otherwise known as name, image, likeness, allows businesses to approach NCAA athletes and ask to use their name, image, and likeness to endorse their products. Students are allowed to be compensated, as long as they make their schools aware of the deal.
History
July 1, 2021 was the first day all college athletes could make their mark being endorsed. Many athletic departments and NCAA officials were against the idea, and argued that an athlete profiting off a school and its logo was hasty because "that would create a situation where school and athlete were partners in a contract where both were making money" (ESPN). The loss of money both within the college's athletic departments and the "blurriness" of the college athletics ideals were also a big fears of offiicials.
After a two year long battle involving the California state senate, the NCAA appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court, college athletes were finally able to profit off their talent and name. Endorsements were high and came quickly as the news was released. For example, Adrian Martinez (Nebraska Huskers), signed an endorsement deal just 6 days after the NIL rules went into effect.
(Photo Creds: @unlincoln on Instagram)
What NIL Means Now
Local agencies in Lincoln have made it possible for a plethora of college athletes to be sponsored and endorsed. Opendorse was the first company to be established in Lincoln to help build the connection between athletes and brands. Not only do their clients include the Nebraska Huskers, but also include the Clemson Tigers and the Louisiana State (LSU) Tigers. Other companies that help student-athletes and brands connect include Hudl and FanWord, both of Lincoln!
(Photo Creds: @unlincoln on Instagram)
What Do The People Around Us Think?
We conducted a survey on Google Forms, sent it out to our friends and social media, and received 74 responses.
We wanted to know if people were aware of the NIL, the change to NIL rule, if they'd be more willing to buy from a student athlete, and if they think college athletes should be sponsored.
Click on pictures below for results
Survey Results
74.3%
Aware of NIL
74.3% of those surveyed were aware of change to the NCAA rule about student-athletes being able to be sponsored by brands
55.4%
Know sponsored student athletes
55.4% of those surveyed know college student-athletes that are sponsored by a brand
64.9%
Support the new rules
64.9% of those surveyed think college students should be allowed to be sponsored by brands
95.8%
Student-athletes NOT sponsored
95.8% of those surveyed that identified as a student-athlete are NOT sponsored by a brand. 4.2% of surveyed student-athletes are sponsored