Investigating Name, Image, and Likeness Through Project-Based Learning

Abstract

The 2021 Supreme Court ruling granting college athletes the right to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL) was greeted in equal measure by enthusiasm and confusion by college athletes and the institutions for which they compete. This paper suggests an approach whereby college classes can provide guidance for college athletes to navigate the nascent, evolving NIL rules and provide an opportunity for current, relevant project-based learning. The Old Dominion University Name, Image, and Likeness Knowledge Hub had limitations in its deliverable—a guide for college athletes seeking to leverage their NIL rights—but it represents a novel learning opportunity because of the uncertainty surrounding NIL. This can offer engaged learning for classrooms in a variety of academic disciplines. In addition, small and mid-sized university athletic departments can use this approach to help build institutional knowledge of the new athlete rights and obligations while forming robust learning partnerships with academic units on their campuses.