Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and it prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational institutions that receive federal funding. For athletic departments, this means schools must provide equal opportunities and benefits to male and female athletes. With the rise of NIL deals, where athletes can now earn money through sponsorships and endorsements, schools must navigate ensuring compliance with Title IX while supporting these opportunities.
Under Title IX, schools must:
Schools’ compliance is evaluated based on the overall quality and impact of benefits provided, not necessarily identical treatment.
NIL agreements allow student-athletes to profit from their personal brand. For example, a basketball player might sign a shoe endorsement or earn money promoting a local business. While these deals often come from third parties, schools frequently facilitate or promote them, introducing potential Title IX implications.
Players like Amari Williams, who joined Kentucky through the transfer portal, stand to gain significant exposure and NIL earnings due to the program’s high profile; compared to the smaller schools they came from. However, such success also puts pressure on the university to ensure equal resources for women’s basketball and other sports.
Imagine Kentucky’s men’s basketball players receive substantial support through a school-backed NIL collective, including professional photoshoots, personal branding workshops, and sponsorship networking events. If the women’s basketball team doesn’t receive equivalent opportunities, the school could face Title IX violations.
To avoid such disparities, Kentucky might:
The evolving NIL landscape offers exciting opportunities for student-athletes but also challenges schools to uphold gender equity. Programs like Kentucky basketball must lead by example, ensuring their resources and policies benefit all athletes equally. By doing so, they not only comply with Title IX but also foster a culture where every athlete can thrive.
No. 8 Kentucky had seven players in double figures, but the Cats lost to fourth-ranked Alabama 102-97 on Saturday at Rupp Arena. Otega Oweh led the Cats wi
A pair of title contenders in the SEC square off on Saturday, Jan. 18 when the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats welcome the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide to Rupp Arena in L
LEXINGTON, KY — Coach Nate Oats thinks that Rupp Arena will see an Alabama basketball team that's back and better than the one that hit the court earlier in t
Will Kentucky improve its record vs. AP Top 15 opponents to 6-0? KSR’s LIVE BLOG will bring you all the sights and sounds from Rupp Arena as the No. 8 Cats ho