NAACP's call for Black athletes' boycott of southern schools hits an NIL wall
Summary
The NAACP has asked Black college athletes to boycott schools in southern states that are restricting Black voting rights. However, many top athletes in football and basketball are not joining the boycott because they earn large amounts of money through NIL (name, image, likeness) deals at these schools.Key Facts
- The NAACP launched the "Out of Bounds" campaign in May to encourage Black athletes not to support schools in states that have weakened Black voting rights.
- The campaign targets eight southern states: Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia.
- These states have major college sports programs that generate billions in revenue and depend heavily on Black athletes.
- NIL allows athletes to earn money by using their name, image, and likeness, sometimes making seven figures per year.
- Many top athletes are unwilling to sacrifice these financial opportunities by boycotting schools in those states.
- The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais reduced protections under the Voting Rights Act, prompting the NAACP campaign.
- Black athletes make up 16% of all NCAA athletes and 20% of Division I athletes, with even higher percentages in football and men's basketball.
- Despite the boycott call, recruiting and alumni support at schools in targeted states have not shown major changes.
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