Since 2021, college athletes have been able to profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL) through brand deals and endorsements. However, starting July 1, 2025, due to a legal settlement with the NCAA, athletes will be able to be paid directly through their universities. This brings up a lot of new questions about the business of college sports. 
 
In this episode, George Headley speaks with journalist Laine Higgins about the future of college sports as she sees it. Higgins has been covering the NIL era of college sports for the Wall Street Journal for the past few years and has closely watched the myriad of changes in real time. Here is what she has to say about her experience and what other reporters can expect to see moving forward.

We Mean Business

BizJournalism

Student athletes or university employees? The shifting status – and compensation – of college athletes

AUG 26, 202516 MIN
We Mean Business

Student athletes or university employees? The shifting status – and compensation – of college athletes

AUG 26, 202516 MIN

Description

Since 2021, college athletes have been able to profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL) through brand deals and endorsements. However, starting July 1, 2025, due to a legal settlement with the NCAA, athletes will be able to be paid directly through their universities. This brings up a lot of new questions about the business of college sports.  In this episode, George Headley speaks with journalist Laine Higgins about the future of college sports as she sees it. Higgins has been covering the NIL era of college sports for the Wall Street Journal for the past few years and has closely watched the myriad of changes in real time. Here is what she has to say about her experience and what other reporters can expect to see moving forward.