NCAA approves interim NIL policy for student-athletes

The NCAA's Division I board of directors voted to approve an interim name, image, and likeness policy Wednesday, the governing body announced.

Student-athletes in all 50 states can now profit off of their autographs, sign endorsement deals, and partake in sponsorships beginning July 1 without jeopardizing their collegiate eligibility.

The policy is expected to serve as a stopgap measure until federal legislation is passed that can unify multiple state-level NIL laws, according to The Athletic. Twenty states have passed NIL legislation. Seven of those states will see NIL laws take effect Thursday, while another 12 are set to implement their own rules beginning in 2022.

Schools in states with no NIL rules can create and regulate policies, with the NCAA waiving current bylaws that restrict NIL benefits, according to Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated. Any NIL rule must prohibit ventures designed to provide a recruiting advantage or pay-for-play opportunities.

Following a decisive blow to its amateurism model by the Supreme Court this past month, the NCAA appeared reluctant to introduce any legislation that would cap earning potential to avoid a possible antitrust lawsuit.

The NCAA's Division I Council voted Monday to recommend the interim policy to the board.