DALLAS — The NCAA cleared the way for athletes to profit off their names Wednesday, the eve of legislation becoming law in several states that would allow for such compensation.
The expected approval from the NCAA Board of Directors came a few days after a recommendation from the Division I Council to allow athletes in every state to pursue compensation for their names, images and likenesses without jeopardizing their college eligibility.
The NCAA’s decision to suspend restrictions on payments to athletes for things such as sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances applies to all three divisions — about 460,000 athletes.