Senators Bradford and Skinner Statement on NCAA’s Announcement on Name, Image, and Likeness

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October 29, 2019

Senators Bradford and Skinner Statement on NCAA’s Announcement on Name, Image, and Likeness

 

SACRAMENTO - State Senators Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) released the following statements regarding the NCAA Board of Governors’ announcement today on, “enhancing name, image, and likeness opportunities” for college athletes.

 

“I applaud the NCAA Board of Governors who made the right decision to support our student athletes, not just in California, but across the U.S.,” said Senator Bradford. “While I question whether or not this special committee and vote would have occurred if our bill was not introduced and passed by the Legislature, this is nonetheless a major step forward bringing about greater equity and fairness to a system that generates billions off of the backs of our talented and hardworking athletes.”   

 

“California’s leadership is a game-changer once again! The Legislature and Gov. Newsom’s support of SB 206 clearly pushed the NCAA to take this step,” said Senator Skinner. “I’m pleased that the NCAA’s announcement shows promise on student athletes getting name, image, and likeness rights, however the devil will be in the details. Here in California, we are clear that we won’t accept arbitrary limitations and look forward to the NCAA’s final action being consistent with the right all other students have to generate income from their talent and skills.”

 

Bradford and Skinner were joint authors of Senate Bill 206, known as the Fair Pay to Play Act. It was approved by both the Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support and signed into law on Sept. 27.  This bill will give California student athletes the right to their name, image, and likeness, allowing them to earn money from sponsorships, endorsements, and other activities.

 

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Senator Bradford represents the Los Angeles County communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, San Pedro, Torrance, Watts, Willowbrook, and Wilmington.