Ethics Week at the David Eccles School of Business tackled the complex ethical landscape surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in collegiate sports. Keynote speaker Dr. Eric, Director of Admissions Advisement and Recruitment for the Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University highlighted the shifting dynamics within the NCAA, which initially overlooked the potential impact of NIL rights. He underscored the NCAA’s role in both promoting academic excellence and capitalizing on student-athletes for financial gain. Neff explored the ethical quandaries stemming from the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among Division 1 schools, particularly concerning revenue-generating sports like football and basketball. She discussed the tension between maintaining the amateur status of student-athletes and acknowledging their commercial value in the modern sports landscape. Additionally, Neff highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the NCAA to address concerns of exploitation and inequity.

Discussion Highlights:

  • Amateurism vs. Commercialization: Balancing the traditional concept of amateurism with the commercial realities of modern sports presents ethical dilemmas regarding the exploitation of student-athletes’ commercial value.
  • Exploitative Practices: The NCAA’s exploitation of student athletes’ NIL rights for financial gain raises ethical concerns about fair compensation and equitable treatment.
  • Educational Integrity: The prioritization of athletic success over academic development comprises the educational integrity of collegiate athletics, raising questions about the NCAA’s commitment to its educational mission.
  • Disparities in Opportunities: Discrepancies in resources and opportunities between revenue-generating and non-revenue-generating sports programs highlight the need for equitable treatment and support for all student-athletes.
  • Transparency and Oversight: The lack of transparency and accountability within the NCAA exacerbates concerns about the exploitation of student-athletes and the inequitable distribution of benefits.

Neff’s presentation underscored the urgency of addressing these ethical dilemmas to ensure the fair treatment and holistic development of student-athletes in collegiate athletics.

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.