UIL Changes The Student-Athlete Game In More Ways Than Imagined
Athletes can reap the benefit of playing sports with NIL
Student-athletes are making money. This is a change from past years. And the easiest way to do that is to understand the rules.
In June 2021, the NCAA started a policy on a student’s name, image, or likeness (NIL) and to make money from their personal brand. This shattered the long-standing rule that prevented student-athletes from getting deals from companies until they moved on to professional status.
It is important to note that there isn’t one standard law covering this. Every state, college, and university has its own rules concerning NIL.
One college in Texas has one NIL rule and another college in Texas will have a different rule. Then some colleges may not have their own rule.
NIL also can affect students in high school.
According to the NCAA, they state three general rules.
- Athletes can engage in NIL activities if they follow the state’s laws where their school is located. Schools must ensure these activities comply with state law.
- Athletes in states without NIL laws can still participate in NIL activities without breaking NCAA rules.
