{"id":40682,"date":"2021-07-01T08:00:54","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T12:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=40682"},"modified":"2021-07-02T10:45:06","modified_gmt":"2021-07-02T14:45:06","slug":"name-image-likeness-prepares-to-change-ncaa-landscape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2021\/07\/01\/name-image-likeness-prepares-to-change-ncaa-landscape\/","title":{"rendered":"Name, Image, Likeness Prepares to Change NCAA Landscape"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the start of July comes a changing NCAA landscape. For years now, we have heard about name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. Essentially, this means athletes want the money that universities are making off of them. For example, an autograph from Luka Garza<\/a><\/strong> at an Iowa event would all go to Iowa. That will not be the case anymore.<\/p>\n

There is no clear vision of how this will go. Most likely, there won\u2019t be recognizable changes to the product that viewers experience. However, and most importantly, several players will have a much better experience. Additionally, as we are made aware of plater deals, we will update this article.<\/p>\n

Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Creates Brand New NCAA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Explaining Name, Image, Likeness<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Name, image, likeness. What does it mean? It is the right of the player to profit off themselves. Basically, it means the university does not own things directly related to the player any longer.<\/p>\n

Players have consistently raised concerns that they were unpaid employees of the NCAA. Whether it is a limit on food, resources, or outside influences, the NCAA players are kept in a closely monitored box. One false step can result in a lost season, like for James Wiseman who supposedly received \u201cimpermissible benefits\u201d during a family move.<\/a><\/p>\n

After a long fight, some <\/em>players will now profit off of themselves. They can now make appearances, sign autographs, do commercials, and so much more for money. Interestingly, they can also accept goods as a trade for their service. Hello, car dealerships!<\/p>\n

This is all happening now because of a hilarious United States Supreme Court ruling. While the ruling was not related to the NIL debate, it set a clear standard for the NCAA.<\/p>\n

\u201cNowhere 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,\u201d Justice Brett Kavanaugh said.<\/p>\n

He even followed it up by saying \u201cthe NCAA is not above the law.\u201d This statement reignited a push for pay-for-play, but that is another argument for another time. Let\u2019s stick to what is actually happening right now.<\/p>\n

July 1st Brings Necessary Change<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In true NCAA fashion, Mark Emmert was hoping someone would save him. The NCAA Board of Directors and other leaders have been fighting to keep \u201camateurism\u201d alive. Now that it is impossible, they caved. But, not entirely. Emmert says it is now up to the states to decide what to do with NIL. Where does that leave us? With seven states having actual NIL laws in place and several others having massive gray areas. Basically, everyone is operating under their own set of laws related to NIL issues.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the rules will start out as ensuring NIL deals do not directly influence recruitment. However, there are clearly certain schools that will do much better with exposure for NIL than others. The counterargument to that is going to a smaller school where you are the one and only attraction should create a pretty penny for athletes as well. Take Ja Morant<\/a><\/strong> and Zion Williams<\/a>on<\/a><\/strong>. Both players would have made A LOT of money for themselves but took entirely different paths.<\/p>\n

The biggest change will be to recruiting. Coaches will have to make concerted efforts to forecast a positive NIL experience for players. We have already seen several players post messages on their social media accounts saying they are open for business. Now, schools will be saying the same. Look for coaches to foster relationships with companies that will help all members of their team profit. Then, the higher-level players can look for other outside opportunities. A rising tide raises all boats.<\/p>\n

Student-Athletes Cashing In<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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People are going to be shocked when July 1st hits and they hear about the numbers that are being thrown around for All-American type players from the biggest schools in college basketball. I’m hearing these deals will rival Overtime\/G League Ignite type money for top guys. https:\/\/t.co\/x8sW2b2vAu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 28, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n