Where is College Sports Headed? The Evolution of NCAA Amateurism to NIL Rights

Professor Conrad discusses the history of the NCAA, which for decades, was the alpha and omega of college sports—one that branded itself as a “guardian for the sacred altar of amateurism.” However, over the years, all of that changed—with the negotiation of TV deals and its member schools agreeing to multimillion-dollar contracts for coaches, while securing huge sponsorships. The colleges and universities, coaches, broadcasters, and sponsors all made money, but what about the student athletes? While the concept of amateurism in college sports persists and student athletes still cannot receive “pay for play,” in 2021, the NCAA agreed to loosen rules around the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights of student athletes. Learn more about the role the Supreme Court played in this decision and hear Professor Conrad’s predictions on where this might ultimately lead. Host: Mark Conrad Producer: Victoria Ilano Additional Production: Jeffrey Haynes Artwork: Pamela V. White Music: "MarcusWay/Energetic Pop Punk/Tribe of Noise"