Blumenthal & Booker Statement on NCAA Division I Council NIL Rule Vote

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement in response to the NCAA’s Division I Council’s decision to suspend the policy that prohibits college athletes from profiting from their Name, Image, and Likeness. The full NCAA Board of Directors will vote on the proposal on Wednesday.

“We're glad that the NCAA is waiving Bylaw 12, allowing college athletes across the country to monetize their NIL, but this last minute scramble to meet the standard set by the states is too little, too late. The Supreme Court’s decision last week, the panoply of state laws about to take effect, and the powerful grassroots coalition of athletes are all pointing in one direction: it’s time for Congress to act. We need a bill that includes the provisions previously laid out in the College Athletes Bill of Rights. Athletes deserve enforceable health and safety standards, robust educational opportunities, and yes, fair compensation and full rights to their Name, Image, and Likeness.”

In December, Blumenthal and Booker introduced the College Athletes Bill of Rights to guarantee fair and equitable compensation, enforceable health and safety standards, and improved educational opportunities for all college athletes. The College Athletes’ Bill of Rights will allow college athletes to market their Name, Image, and Likeness, either individually or as a group, with minimal restrictions.

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