The NCAA announced on Oct. 29, that for the first time ever, college athletes can now get financial benefits off of their image and likeness. 

According to the NCAA, which has 1,100 member schools and approximately 500,000 students, the rule change would require college athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the university model. This does not mean college athletes will be paid. What is does mean is that college athletes can receive compensation from merchandise, video games using their name, and enter into endorsement deals.  

The legislation comes into force in 2023 and allows college athletes to sign deals on shoes while attending public and private schools, ink sports drink endorsements, and more.

Senior Ben Wright says that he likes the rule change.

“The games they play in are commercial events that rake in millions of dollars in profits for the schools and the NCAA, yet the actual performers don’t make anything,” said Wright. 

While most students agree with the rule change, senior Jay Rafferty said he doesn’t agree.

“I think that college athletes already get the benefits of having to not pay for their education. The amount of money the colleges pay to let the students come to their school is high enough,” he said.

Former college athletes and current star athletes have long advocated for this NCAA rule change. NBA star LeBron James cheered the NCAA’s decision.

“It’s a beautiful day for all college athletes going forward from this day on!” the Los Angeles Lakers star tweeted, while calling it “not a victory but a start.”