Ethics Week at the David Eccles School of Business featured a panel discussion on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations on student athletes. Panelists included Bret Eden: Director of Business Development at the University of Utah, Gavin Van Wagoner: Director of Major Gifts for University of Utah Athletics, Ashley West: University of Utah women’s volleyball team athlete, and moderator Eric Neff: Director of Admissions Advisement and Recruitment for the Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University.

Gavin highlighted the NCAA’s guidance allowing students to earn money starting July 1, 2021, emphasizing the significance of this change for athletes who had previously been unable to profit from their brand. Ashley shared her experience, highlighting the networking opportunities and platform-building potential rather than just financial gain. Bret addressed the complexities of protecting student athletes under NIL regulations, noting the university’s limited involvement in external contracts but emphasizing alignment between athletes and universities.

The conversation delved into how NIL has affected academic development, with mixed opinions on its impact. Ethical dilemmas were raised regarding the fear of companies exploiting athletes and the need for safeguards in contract review processes to ensure ethical deals.

Discussion highlights:

  • Exploitation of Athletes: Panelists expressed concerns about companies taking advantage of athletes in unethical ways, highlighting the need for safeguards and ethical considerations in NIL contracts.
  • Academic Integrity: While NIL offers opportunities for athletes, there are concerns about the balance between athletic and academic pursuits, which have implications for students’ educational experiences and integrity.
  • Transparency and Fairness: Ensuring fair labor markets and ethical business practices in the context of NIL deals is a challenge, and discussions have focused on the need for transparency, ethical guidelines, and safeguards to protect athletes’ interests.
  • Future of College Athletics: As NIL regulations evolve, questions arise about the potential shift towards private ownership of teams, its implications for athletes and universities, and the ethical considerations surrounding these changes.

Ethics Week is an annual event hosted by the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative at the David Eccles School of Business. The Eccles School is one of only 11 U.S. schools offering this initiative. Students build solid, principle-based ethical frameworks for decision-making in complex business environments. Learn more at Eccles.link/daniels-fund.