Name, Image, and Likeness and the Health of the Young Athlete: A Call to Action for Sports Medicine Providers and the Athletic Healthcare Network

Abstract

Context: In June 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted a new policy allowing NCAA athletes the opportunity to benefit and profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Several state high-school associations have established policies to guide their members and students through the new era of NIL. While the potential benefits cannot be ignored, NIL presents novel responsibilities and stressors to athletes. This paper will review the paucity of literature on the effect of NIL on youth athletes and bring attention to mental health, wellbeing, or academic performance impacted by NIL. Evidence Acquisition: Articles were identified through Google and PubMed search starting from NIL policy approval (June 30, 2021). Search terms included “name, image and likeness” and “NIL.” Study Design: Clinical commentary. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Results: Although 1 article was identified through PubMed search and numerous articles were identified through Google search, no articles directly evaluated the effects of NIL on the mental health, wellbeing, or academic performance of youth athletes. Conclusion: It is critical for sports medicine providers and other members of the athletic healthcare network to familiarize themselves with these emerging topics to best serve their patients and communities. The athletic healthcare network must be prepared to address possible NIL-related health ramifications for our patients and their families and help them navigate a confusing and predatory landscape. We must provide resources to youth athletes to minimize the risks associated with NIL involvement and related activities, and to ensure that athletes with NIL contracts are able to balance their academic and athletic responsibilities. Fostering strong relationships between stakeholders and sports medicine staff is paramount to creating an environment that permits honest discussions about NIL and the health of athletes from youth to adulthood. Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy: N/A.