California college athletes to be able to profit from endorsements in 2022

By Stephen Strom | Published by October 23rd, 2019

The NCAA currently produces nearly $11 billion in annual revenue from college sports. That is more than the estimated total league revenues of the NBA and the NHL. 

Whether student-athletes should be paid or not has been a topic of discussion in the sports world for ages. 

Last month, student-athletes were pleased when California became the first state to allow players to advertise themselves based on self-likeness. Athletes will be able to sign endorsement deals and hire agents, something that was illegal before the bill signing. 

The bill will also create new opportunities for female athletes to profit off their abilities in college because they have limited professional athletic opportunities. Victoria Stec, an outside hitter on Kean’s women’s volleyball team was excited to see the California bill signed. 

“Even though it’s not legal in New Jersey to do self-advertising, I can’t help but smile because as college athletes I think we all hoped for this to happen for others,” said Stec. “We know how much Division I schools make revenue-wise for these universities. They deserve the ability to at least advertising themselves.” 

Kean Football Offensive Lineman Mark DeMaio believes all student-athletes should be paid.

“I understand all the free meals, the gear, and the free education,” said DeMaio. “But does it equal the amount of revenue a guy like Zion Williamson made at Duke? This is a great start though for having these players be able to advertise themselves.”

Last fall at Duke University, Williamson emerged as the most marketable college basketball player in the country. He had rare athleticism, an engaging smile, and a distinctive name bundling him into a media phenomenon. 

“I feel like these big-time programs bring in so much money because of the athletes,” said Kean basketball shooting guard Jeff Cooper. “Ask a fan who they are there to see. It’s the players. The hard part is, they’re also getting a free education. It gets sort of complicated.”

Kean Men’s basketball Assistant Coach Matt McDuffie weighed in on the new California bill from a different perspective. 

“I believe that this can be a great thing for college athletics if the process is regulated,” he said. “It’s great for California but I think it can’t be select states, the playing field should be level.” 

The biggest question now is if California schools will have a recruiting edge over other states because of the ability for athletes to exercise their right to advertise. As the revenue numbers and ticket sales continue to inflate, players could get their ultimate wish and have the ability to self-promote themselves all around the country. 

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