Abstract
The Illinois General Assembly’s recent passage of the Illinois Name, Image, and Likeness (“NIL”) legislation allows student-athletes to remove the pressure of becoming professional athletes to capitalize on their athletic ability and celebrity.
The new NIL era is a great opportunity for many struggling and hopeful student-athletes to reset their mental focus on what their future can be. However, along with the excitement, is also the underlying mental and physical commitment athletes must attend to pull off great success with NIL that does not undermine their eligibility, the school’s rules, and guidelines, or statutory prohibitions.
As athletes seek financial opportunities through NIL, there are some legal impacts that athletes, their families, and college administrators must be aware of: 1) understanding contract law; 2) understanding Intellectual Property and how NIL factors in; and 3) who can the student-athlete hold liable for damages in terms of the statute, their federal or state publicity rights if violated?
Recommended Citation
Sivonnia DeBarros,
Survey of Illinois Law: Illinois Name, Image, & Likeness Statute and Three Reasons Why Athletes Must Become Educated in Business to Properly Monetize on Their Celebrity,
46
S. Ill. U. L.J.
689
(2022).
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/siulj/vol46/iss4/4