Stanford University statement on Senate Bill 206
Stanford University issued the following statement on SB 206, a state bill signed by the governor today, that beginning in 2023 would allow college student-athletes in California to receive third-party compensation as a result of the use of their name, image or likeness.
Stanford supports the goal of advancing the well-being of college student-athletes, including reform that provides student-athletes with greater flexibility regarding the use of their name, image and likeness. However, we believe true progress can only be achieved when it is undertaken at the national level, with appropriate safeguards against unintended consequences.
An NCAA working group examining these issues is expected to report its recommendations this fall, and the provisions of SB 206 would not take effect until 2023. We are hopeful and optimistic that the current conflicts between SB 206 and NCAA bylaws will be resolved in a way that provides a rational and consistent national framework. We appreciate the governor’s commitment in his signing message to monitoring these issues and addressing any unintended consequences that arise.
We stand ready to work with the NCAA, the Pac-12 Conference, California officials and others to move toward reform that supports our student-athletes and ensures that California schools and student-athletes will continue to compete and thrive in national collegiate athletics.