Tell CA Legislators: Stop the exploitation of Black student-athletes and pass SB 206

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Dear Legislator,
 
I am writing you to request your support for Senate Bill 206 regarding student-athlete compensation and representation. "Amateur status" rules allow the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to generate billions of dollars in revenue off the labor of Black athletes, while many of these athletes struggle to pay for room and board and have sufficient money for food. Only 1% of student-athletes receive full scholarships. Student-athletes are expected to survive on no income while the NCAA, coaches, universities, and sports companies make billions of dollars off their labor. College athletes are the only students prevented from earning income based on their talent. Additionally, fewer than 2% of student-athletes go on to be professional athletes, so collegiate athletics may be the only chance for these students to earn money from their athletic talent.
 
Passing this bill in California would pave the way for similar legislation throughout the country, advancing ethical treatment of our student-athletes. It's time to stop the exploitation of Black student-athletes. Vote "yes" on SB 206!

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Tell CA Legislators: Stop the exploitation of Black student-athletes and pass SB 206

"Amateur status" rules allow the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to generate billions of dollars in revenue off the labor of Black athletes, while many of these athletes struggle to pay for room and board and have sufficient money for food.

Under the NCAA’s rules, college players can’t profit from their own image or likenesses. Because of rigorous practice and game schedules, student-athletes cannot work while under scholarship. And because of the demands the NCAA puts on Black athletes to generate revenue, many find it impossible to earn a degree while they play. Not only are the NCAA's rules denying Black athletes fair compensation, they're robbing players of a chance to get a degree. Additionally, fewer than 2% of student-athletes go on to be professional athletes so collegiate athletics may be the only chance for these students to earn money from their athletic talent.

But we now have a chance to ensure Black athletes get paid for their work. Senate Bill 206, the Fair Pay to Play Act, would allow college athletes to profit from their own names, images, and likenesses. It is a step in the right direction for fairness in collegiate sports. The bill has already cleared some serious hurdles but still has a few more key votes ahead. Let’s make sure that every California legislator knows that Black athletes deserve fair pay!

Passing this bill in California would pave the way for similar legislation throughout the country, advancing ethical treatment of our student-athletes. But the NCAA is concerned only about its profits and continuing to make billions of dollars off the backs of Black student-athletes. These athletes are expected to survive on no income while the NCAA, coaches, universities, and sports companies make billions of dollars off their labor. The football and basketball players — mostly Black students — bring in the most money for universities, brands, and TV networks. It is unacceptable for Black student-athletes to struggle when they bring in billions of dollars. It's time to stop the exploitation of Black student-athletes.