2024 Elections Could Reshape NCAA NIL Policies and Athlete Rights

As the nation gears up for significant changes across multiple facets of society following the 2024 U.S. elections, name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies in college sports stand to be surprisingly impacted by the incoming administration. With a Republican-controlled Congress and shifting state legislatures, the industry of college athletics faces a critical juncture, navigating potential changes to athlete compensation, regulation, and the structure of college sports as a whole. These developments could touch everything from NIL agreements and athlete rights to broader financial frameworks that define collegiate athletics.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and various college sports stakeholders have long called for a federal resolution to the complex, often inconsistent state-level NIL laws governing athlete compensation. This fragmented approach has led to disparities in how athletes can monetize their brands and how universities can operate within regulatory frameworks. With a Republican majority now poised to steer legislative priorities, a push for a unified federal NIL standard appears more likely. Such a measure would bring consistency and clarity to universities and athletes but raises questions about its potential limitations on athletes’ earning potential and autonomy.