How do college payment rules for athletes work?

I'm curious about the rules surrounding college athletes getting paid. I know there's been a lot of discussions about whether or not it's allowed, and I think there have been some recent changes. How does it work now? Can athletes earn money directly, and what are the restrictions? I'm particularly interested in knowing if it varies by sport or division, and whether these opportunities might impact an athlete's decision when choosing a college. Any insights would be super helpful!

Student-athletes at the collegiate level were, for a long time, unable to earn money from their status as athletes. However, this changed in 2021 when the NCAA lifted its ban on athlete compensation, allowing athletes at the college level to profit from their "name, image, and likeness" (NIL). This means that college athletes are now allowed to earn money through means such as endorsements, sponsorships, and even their individual social media platforms.

There are a few conditions under these new NIL rules. Firstly, athletes are not allowed to use their school's name, marks, or likenesses in their personal deals. For instance, if an athlete signs an endorsement deal, they would not be allowed to wear a shirt with their school's logo in the advertisement. Additionally, the new rules do not create a system where athletes are paid directly by their schools; instead, athletes are now able to make money in a similar way to how professional athletes do.

While these NIL rules apply across all college-level sports, the range and amount of opportunities to earn may vary depending on the sport's popularity, market demand, and an individual athlete's public image. For example, star football or basketball players might have more lucrative opportunities compared to athletes competing in less widely followed sports.

An athlete's opportunities to earn through NIL could indeed impact their decision when choosing a college. Schools in markets with large fan bases, strong athletic traditions, or a high level of exposure might provide athletes with more lucrative NIL opportunities. However, prospective athletes should still ensure they're making well-rounded decisions when choosing a college, considering factors such as academics, athletic development, and cultural fit along with NIL considerations.

So, while the opportunity to earn from name, image, and likeness is a boon for student-athletes, it should still be considered as only one of many factors when choosing a college. Hope this helps clarify!