Five Reasons to Act Now on Name, Image and Likeness

Five Reasons to Act Now on Name, Image and Likeness February 2020

Reason #1 There is value in doing the right thing at the right time. We need to provide studentathletes the same opportunities as other students to help pay for their education.

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Reason #2 Passing NIL legislation is not a quick-fix; it’s a process that will likely need to be modified as we move forward. The sooner we begin this process, the sooner we can find the appropriate balance between achieving competitive balance and supporting our student-athletes.

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Reason #3 The NAIA is in a unique position to lead by being the first collegiate athletics association to enact NIL-supportive legislation. This is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate that the NAIA is the association that prioritizes student-athletes.

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Reason #4 California has already passed NIL legislation, effective 2023. Other states are considering similar legislation, effective in 2020 and 2021. By implementing thoughtful change now, we lessen the likelihood of having to rush to accommodate NIL once it’s legally required.

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Reason #5 NAIA student-athletes can already receive financial assistance from family, friends, and institutional donors/boosters. NIL would further this opportunity by allowing them to utilize their collegiate athlete status to get paid to promote an event or goods. (e.g. pitching lessons from the star college pitcher, social media influencer referencing his or her school for athletic items) 6