NCAA Rule Change Q&A

In 2023, California will become the first state to allow college athletes in the NCAA to profit from endorsements. This means that athletes will be able to promote products and companies while earning compensation from that promotion. In the past, NCAA rejected this rule so student athletes could pursue a career instead of money.

NCAA has recognized what the physical demands of being a college athlete require and the impact it has on their daily schedule — compensation should be an option. Here are some of East Athletes’ opinions on the topic who have committed to a college sport:

Junior Caroline Coleman

Attending: Pepperdine University

Sport: Soccer

What’s your opinion on college athletes getting paid through endorsement?

“I think the new rule would be great because if you play a sport in college you won’t really have time to get a job. It would definitely benefit me by getting a head start on saving up for the future.”

How do you think it’s unfair that the rule, as of right now, will only apply to California schools?

“It’s hard to say, but California is setting the path so I hope other schools will follow.”

Senior Nick Arensberg

Attending: Rockhurst University

Sport: Basketball

What’s your opinion on college athletes getting paid through endorsement?

“I like it, I think it would be nice to get money on the side. Then again, I don’t really get it because I think we are getting enough through tuition.”

How do you think it’s unfair that the rule, as of right now, will only apply to California schools?

“It’s unfair because if those athletes are allowed to get paid then everyone should fall under that new law.”

Originally, this rule was prevented because the NCAA wanted athletes to focus more on their degree than money. How do you feel about their focus changing?

“I think players need to stay focused on their degree because, in the long run, that’s what’s going to be the most important.”

Junior Sarah Bingham

Attending: University of Illinois

Sport: Volleyball

What’s your opinion on college athletes getting paid through endorsement?

“Under the table money is given to big time athletes, usually boys basketball and football, so making it legal ensures the people who are following the rules aren’t punished. It will also help keep kids in college longer and not go professional as fast.”

How do you feel about the new rule?

“I don’t think the majority of players who play non-moneymaker sports will get many benefits from the new rule change. I am okay with that because they are already paying for the entirety of my college tuition, room, travel and gear — so I am already beyond thankful for what they will give me.”

How do you think it’s unfair that the rule, as of right now, will only apply to California schools?

“I don’t think NCAA will let California be the only state that allows it for very long. Having it legal for just California schools gives them a recruiting advantage over the rest of the country [and] the NCAA won’t let that slide for long. I think they are just looking for a good compromise and the right wording of bills so schools do not get around the rules.”

Originally, this rule was prevented because the NCAA wanted athletes to focus more on their degree than money. How do you feel about their focus changing?

“I think that the rule will actually help people academically because they will stay in college longer and not look for professional opportunities to make money athletically because they could be paid almost as much while getting their education at the same time.”