Tracing back to its onset, the NCAA leans on the concept of “amateurism” to justify not paying its student-athletes. In 2015, Northwestern University’s football team tried to unionize to get pay and healthcare for the players. The National Labor Relations Board did not approve the unionization bid because it found that the primary role of the players was university students. Three years later, the NCAA finds itself on a different path.
California’s 2019 Fair Pay to Play Act has likely paved the way for other states throughout the country to push for legislation that allows compensation for NCAA athletes. The blog posts on this site delve into the potential legal and ethical ramifications that may come about if states independently pass laws that allow student-athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness while still in school.
What People Say
“It’s the start of something we believe is special.”
LeBron James
“I think it will take the authenticity and realness away from college football.”
Tim Tebow
“This new law is already creating confusion for current and future student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and campuses, and not just in California.”
NCAA statement
The Ethical and Legal Implications of the Future NCAA Landscape 