NCAA Lifts Restrictions On Student-Athletes; Can Now Profit Off Name, Image And Likeness

The NCAA officially cleared the way for student-athletes to profit off their fame Thursday.

Those endorsements can come from autographs, product endorsements, personal appearances and social media posts.

“We are embarking on what I think is a great learning experience, not only for student-athletes but also the universities and NCAA,” University of Oklahoma senior associate athletic director Kenny Mossman said.

Previously, student-athletes could only benefit from scholarships and housing stipends. Now, students can make an income.

Mossman said OU has been working on their own game plan for about a year, focusing on compliance, education and how they can help students build their brands.

“We recognize this can benefit our athletes and their families, so we want to play a constructive role in that,” Mossman said.

While many discussed that this could keep students from going pro sooner, those numbers do not compare to what leadership believes students can make.

“I think whatever their earnings are, if they have pro potential, it won’t be the kind of earnings that can compete with a professional contract,” Mossman said.

Like OU, Oklahoma State has also prepared for this change. The school has partnered with OSU’s business school and INFLCR, a program where student-athletes can download photos and videos and share them on their personal accounts.