Name, Image, and Likeness (NILs): What Impact Will NILs Have on Students in the Classroom?

Abstract

As a result of several national court rulings, the NCAA revised its bylaws regarding student-athletes. Student-athletes are now being paid money by third-party interests for use of their name, image, and or likeness (NILs) in an endeavor to sell products, services, and student brands. Students advertise their NILs on social media and contract with local, state, and national vendors to endorse products. It is certainly beneficial for student-athletes, parents, families, and even local communities to profit from their work and athleticism. However, important concerns have been left out of the NILs discussion by the academy, the media, the NCAA, and academic journals. This article examines the impact NCAA rule changes have on college students in the classroom as well as the impact on faculty and administration. The probability exists of increased cheating, gender bias, and pressure on instructors who will be caught in the middle between money and grades.