Student-Athlete = Employee?

NCAA President Charlie Baker's proposal to allow highly resourced schools to pay some athletes marks a significant shift in college sports. However, it reflects a careful dance around the classification of students as employees. While advocating for a new tier where athletes would receive a minimum annual payment of $30,000 through a trust fund, the NCAA aims to sidestep labeling them as employees. This move aligns with their strategy of exploring innovative avenues to compensate athletes without explicitly designating them as employees. Moreover, the proposal includes granting Division I schools the flexibility to offer unlimited educational benefits and engage in name, image, and likeness licensing deals with athletes. This intricate maneuvering reflects the NCAA's attempt to address compensation and opportunities for student-athletes while navigating the nuanced legal landscape surrounding their employment status.