The Countdown Continues: Florida Inches closer to NIL Date.

A delay of a year is now just seventeen days; time seems to be in Florida’s favor to successfully implement Florida’s Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation and Rights (Name, Image, and Likeness) bill without any issue. That is if the NCAA June 22-23^rd meeting permits. With more states opting to modify or create their own name, image, and likeness legislation, the NCAA is forced to move forward with changing its rules. But changes do not always promote progress, instead creating opportunity to stall or, in this case, delay the rollout of funds and endorsements coming to Florida Division I athletes’ way. The NCAA Division I council will meet this coming June 23^rd, just eight days before Florida’s NIL bill takes effect and, if feasible, will act on proposed changes to NIL rule changes.

So, what does this mean for the future? Right now, all is up in the air. With the Supreme Court’s decision in the Alston v. NCAA case still in the works, a decision that will have a significant impact on how NIL rules are formed - and the NCAA meeting taking place right before July 1^st - chaos could ensue. Okay, let us not be so dramatic: but the reality can take place in few scenarios when dealing with money and athletics. Maybe the NCAA will come around and grant a Blanket waiver, a request some student athletes have demanded in past events. Or maybe they will double down after the court’s decision and create their own rules, a possibility that could collide head on with Florida’s NIL Bill.

The opportunity for Florida athletes, along with many others, to make a profit off their name, image and likeness is a clear win and advantage over competition according to FSU’s Coach Mike Norvell. Coach Norvell and QB Mckenzie Milton expressed their disappointment at the previous mid-session interim decision to delay the passing of the bill.

But with the help of public outcry and backing of Florida Governor Ron Desantis, reinstatement of the bill’s original start date could help Coach Norvell and the Seminoles gain more traction in an already competitive recruiting pool for future seasons. This, along with the Apex program and FSU’s partnership with INFLCR partnership, could have Florida State Athletes ahead of the curve with understanding and capitalizing from the super-giant, social media world. That coupled with courses offering “a comprehensive approach to branding” could see FSU athletes leading on more than just the field.

Either way it goes, change is on its way and all we can do is wait and see what the rest of the year entails.