by The NCAA is going full steam ahead with their new rules for student athletes in search of compensation. Long a topic of concern and conversation, the ability for these amateur athletes to have a financial base is a “game changer” for the entire sports community. Under the organization’s proposed rules, players can participate in pay opportunities that extend to advertisements, promotions, and much more.
Athletes Without Logos
One of the most interesting aspects of the NCAA’s decision is how it regulates an athlete’s identity. Conference and school logos cannot be used by the player as they identify themselves in various promotions. Instead, they can speak of the sport they play as well as the school. Anything other than that would be considered a violation. This might come in handy as the players begin to establish their identity for future roles in professional leagues.
Consistent Feedback Helped Make The NCAA’s Decision
Throughout the years, the topic of athlete pay has been a controversial topic. While some wanted athletes to receive regular pay, others were more concerned about the effects on the league itself. One of the aspects that players did not get was a full paid stipend that comes out much like a weekly or monthly salary. Responding to concerns, one of the organization’s leaders felt that enough had been done to keep up with both sides of the argument. In a conversation with NBC News, board chair Michael V. Drake spoke about his confidence in how the feedback and discussion about the topic went. “Throughout our efforts to enhance support for college athletes, the NCAA has relied upon considerable feedback from and the engagement of our members, including numerous student-athletes, from all three divisions,” Drake said of the process.
Sports Betting May Not Change
The prospects of sports betting were long held in disregard by the governing body as well as some fans who felt it might affect play. Over time, the emergence of sports betting in Las Vegas, especially in terms of amater sports, led many to learn that the two could be conducted successfully.
Changes to current rules concerning athlete pay appears to have no mention of betting. This could mean athletes would have the opportunity to appear in advertisements and promotions tied to special casino promotions. Already, players or team logos can appear on tournaments or special events that are sponsored by betting venues. It can also relate to ads for events occurring on sites which include casinos.
While the NCAA may not be currently looking at sports betting, there is always a prospect that the organization could revisit the issue. The lingering question would be if, or when, any team would allow onsite betting, That seems like a far-fling reality for bettors, but the same could have been said for player promotional pay.
In the long run, athlete pay should not affect the overall sports betting experience. With players working to get noticed by potential advertisers, the odds of more exciting games only grows. It’s a sure bet that can only help improve the sports betting experience as well as college play.
