In a vote on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the NCAA Board of Governors voted unanimously to allow student-athletes to profit off their likenesses, images and names while still maintaining amateur status, according to an NCAA press release. 

“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” said chair of the board and President of The Ohio State University Michael Drake in an NCAA press release. “Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”

The vote calls for the Board of Governors to direct each division of the NCAA to consider updates to its bylaws and policies for the 21st century, according to Drake. 

The press release specifically stated that the modernization should occur within these principles and guidelines:

• Assure student-athletes are treated similarly to non-athlete students unless a compelling reason exists to differentiate. 

• Maintain the priorities of education and the collegiate experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success. 

• Ensure rules are transparent, focused and enforceable, and facilitate fair and balanced competition. 

• Make clear the distinction between collegiate and professional opportunities. 

• Make clear that compensation for athletics performance or participation is impermissible. 

• Reaffirm that student-athletes are students first and not employees of the university. 

• Enhance principles of diversity, inclusion and gender equity. 

• Protect the recruiting environment and prohibit inducements to select, remain at or transfer to a specific institution.

The changes are to take place no later than January 2021, according to the board. The actions of the board came following a recommendation from the NCAA Board of Governors Federal and State Legislation Working Group. The group consists of presidents, commissioners, athletics directors, administrators and student-athletes.

“As a national governing body, the NCAA is uniquely positioned to modify its rules to ensure fairness and a level playing field for student-athletes,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “The board’s action today creates a path to enhance opportunities for student-athletes while ensuring they compete against students and not professionals.”

The full press release from the NCAA can be found here.