The NCAA sent a letter on Wednesday to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, urging him not to sign a bill that would allow college athletes in the state to accept endorsement money without repercussions.
The state assembly voted earlier this week to approve the bill, known as the Fair Pay to Play Act, and the state senate approved it unanimously on Wednesday. Now, the bill will be sent to Newsom, who has 30 days to sign it into law.
The NCAA contends the proposed legislation is unconstitutional and would “upend the balance” of competition in college sports.
If Newsom approves, the legislation would take effect in 2023. Schools would not be allowed to declare a student-athlete ineligible or take away scholarships for accepting endorsement fees.
Michael Drake, who is the chairman of the NCAA board of governors and also president at Ohio State, told ESPN that the NCAA is open to changes that would give athletes the right to sell their name or likeness. The organization, however, wants to do it on a national, rather than a state-by-state basis, he said.
