The NCAA Division 1 Council has approved a measure to introduce multiple proposals to enhance the rights of student athletes in regard to NIL deals.

NIL, allows college athletes to receive financial compensation, for the use of their name, image, and likeness.

Should these new proposals be accepted and ratified, they would start to take effect in January of 2024.

The four proposals that were presented to the council were:

• The creation of a voluntary registry for all NIL service providers.
  
• More requirements of disclosure and reporting of pertaining to certain elements of all NIL agreements.
  
• Development of best practices for all NIL contracts.
  
• To create education programs current athletes and prospects, as well as all service providers and licensees.

NIL has been under scrutiny since Chicago Bears rookie second round pick Gervon Dexter’s NIL deal was made public.

Dexter agreed to pay Big League Advanced Fun (BLA) 15% of his pre-taxed NFL earnings for the next 25 years, in exchange for a one-time payment of $436,485 in 2022, while playing at the University of Florida.

These proposals will hopefully protect players from being preyed upon and taken advantage of, in the future.

Whether we like it or not, NIL is here to stay.

– Sean McKenzie

Photo Courtesy of NCAA