College athletes can earn money from their name, image and likeness, NCAA rules

The NCAA has approved a temporary policy to allow college athletes in all three divisions to get paid for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), the organization announced Wednesday. The new policy will go into effect on Thursday, the same day NIL laws are set to go into effect in seven states, and last until federal legislation is adopted or the NCAA develops permanent rules of its own.

The interim policy will allow college athletes and recruits to make money off of activities like autograph signings, endorsements and personal appearances as long as they are consistent with any applicable state law where the athlete's school is located. Athletes will be able to use professional service providers for such activities, and universities will be responsible for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law. The new policy also allows athletes who attend schools in states without NIL laws on the books to make money off their name, image and likeness without violating NCAA rules.