Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Will NCAA Likeness Lawsuit Change College Sports?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: June 21, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon is going after the National Collegiate Athletic Association and several companies that license college sports merchandise and video games in a likeness lawsuit for using players’ likenesses without permission or compensation. O’Bannon and other athletes named in the suit argue that it’s unfair for them to sign away the rights to their images in order to be eligible to compete in college athletics.
In anticipation of an upcoming key hearing on the matter, many sports analysts are wondering how the end result will impact the NCAA sports industry.
For several years, sports enthusiasts have argued about whether players should be compensated when their images or likenesses are used to promote university athletics, school merchandise, video games, and magazines. The schools themselves, sponsors and NCAA rake in billions of dollars as a result, and some argue that it’s unfair to athletes who are not compensated for their work. On the flip side, athletes often receive full scholarships, training from renowned coaches and national exposure than can lead to lucrative professional talent agreements with sports teams. Given these opposing arguments, the ruling in the O’Bannon case may very well change the scope of amateurism in college sports, the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Namely, the NCAA stands to lose billions of dollars in revenue should the use of players’ likenesses be banned, the results of which could heavily impact the way in which the NCAA operates. For example, Wake Forest President Nathan Hatch, who also chairs the NCAA Division I board, told Bloomberg News that if the school was forced to share revenue with players, it may be forced to slash its budget for other non-revenue sports.
However, O’Bannon retorted that given the amount of money being made in the industry, there is enough to go around without compromising NCAA sports.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
Author: Ronald S. Bienstock
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
Author: Patrick T. Conlon
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Will NCAA Likeness Lawsuit Change College Sports?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon is going after the National Collegiate Athletic Association and several companies that license college sports merchandise and video games in a likeness lawsuit for using players’ likenesses without permission or compensation. O’Bannon and other athletes named in the suit argue that it’s unfair for them to sign away the rights to their images in order to be eligible to compete in college athletics.
In anticipation of an upcoming key hearing on the matter, many sports analysts are wondering how the end result will impact the NCAA sports industry.
For several years, sports enthusiasts have argued about whether players should be compensated when their images or likenesses are used to promote university athletics, school merchandise, video games, and magazines. The schools themselves, sponsors and NCAA rake in billions of dollars as a result, and some argue that it’s unfair to athletes who are not compensated for their work. On the flip side, athletes often receive full scholarships, training from renowned coaches and national exposure than can lead to lucrative professional talent agreements with sports teams. Given these opposing arguments, the ruling in the O’Bannon case may very well change the scope of amateurism in college sports, the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Namely, the NCAA stands to lose billions of dollars in revenue should the use of players’ likenesses be banned, the results of which could heavily impact the way in which the NCAA operates. For example, Wake Forest President Nathan Hatch, who also chairs the NCAA Division I board, told Bloomberg News that if the school was forced to share revenue with players, it may be forced to slash its budget for other non-revenue sports.
However, O’Bannon retorted that given the amount of money being made in the industry, there is enough to go around without compromising NCAA sports.