So many volleyball families are lucky to get any form of scholarship at all. Being given a “books scholarship” at many schools is considered lucky. Even great players don’t always get scholarships. It’s very difficult to pay for college at todays rates. Finally, this may change. This post from Twitter will help bring you up to speed.
Watch the video in the tweet below:
If you haven’t heard already, In Sacramento California, SB 206 by Nancy Skinner working its way to the governor in California that will allow college athletes hire agents, be paid for the use of their name, their image, or their likeness. Schools would be prevented from revoking scholarships or scholarship eligibility for these students. The first important detail here, as of this writing this is not law yet, and even if it is signed into law it will not go into effect until January 2023. The NCAA still has time to lobby against California SB 206.
Let that sink in. The NCAA business model is in jeopardy and they make billions while preventing student athletes from earning a dime in the name of amateur status. This is essentially about allowing athletes to receive money from those who wish to profit off the athlete’s personal image and status. This is not about colleges paying athletes, yet.
So far this sounds like a win for student athletes. They can graduate with potentially much less debt, potentially none at all. We’re not there yet. Back in June of this year, the president fo the NCAA, Mark Emmert (who made $3.9 million in 2017) wrote a letter to lawmakers in California urging them to stall this bill. In this letter, Emmert apparently threatened California schools with possible prohibition from competing in championship events. Once again, remember that as of this writing, this isn’t a law yet.
On the federal level, EPSN reported that North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker proposed a federal law to achieve the same goal. Read the ESPN story and hope that more support for college athletes is coming soon!
Just like so many other industries, entrenched companies don’t want to lose control and often are abruptly ended. The NCAA could have taken a lead on this, and changed with the times. History repeats itself. So for those who remember, think back to what happened with online music sales. Now we have a healthy music industry again with sales and super sized festival events, but many were dragged kicking and screaming to the new world. The college sports industry seems to be next, and the NCAA is in danger of be left behind.
What does the NCAA say about this? Read their letter from this week and form your own opinion.
https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-responds-california-senate-bill-206
Then watch a discussion about the federal law:
FOLLOW UP:
In case you didn’t hear, this was signed into law, and will take effect as of 2023. What does it all mean? We found a good brief summary for you… https://wearesc.com/sb-206-what-the-fair-pay-to-play-act-means-whats-next/