College athletes in California could soon be getting paid, thanks to a proposed legislation introduced earlier this year. However, the money will not be coming from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). State Senator Nancy Skinner introduced Senate Bill 206 (SB 206), which would allow players to get compensated for sponsorship opportunities. The proposed legislation could also encourage other states to follow suit. According to the Sacramento Bee, Senator Skinner stated the following regarding the proposed legislation,
College athletes have been exploited by a deeply unfair system. The NCAA, the universities, the media, they’ve made billions of dollars on the talent of athletes, while the athletes have not received anything.
SB 206, also known as the “Fair Pay to Play Act,” would allow college athletes enrolled in any of California’s 24 public colleges and universities to be able to make money “as a result of the student’s name, image, or likeness.” The proposed legislation would also prohibit schools from taking away scholarships from students who choose to pursue those opportunities. Senator Skinner also noted that she plans to add more protections in her proposed legislation as the current legislative session continues. She also wants to give athletes the ability to secure representation through an agent. We will have to wait and see if the proposed legislation passes.
