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.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
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
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
Read Before You Sign: IT Contract Pitfalls Every NJ Business Should Know
In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Author: George McGowan
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
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.