The Evolution of Collegiate Athletics Embracing the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Era

Billy Hawkins is a Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Houston. His research and teaching contributions are in the areas of sociology of sport and cultural studies, sport management, and sport for development. He has written several books and articles exploring the intersection of race, sport, and culture. Aquasia Shaw is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Management at Coppin State University. Her research and teaching focus on the sociocultural dimensions of sport, with particular emphasis on diversity, equity, athlete development, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics in the NIL era. Her work explores the intersections of race, gender, branding, and athlete identity, particularly among historically underrepresented populations.Simran Kaur Sethi is an Assistant Professor of Sport Leadership at the University of Kentucky. A former NCAA Division I and professional tennis player for India, her scholarship critically examines international college athlete experiences, athlete migration, NIL equity, and U.S. immigration policy. Her work appears in leading sport management and sociology journals and informs policy and practice as a consultant to the NCAA while contributing to national and international discussions on athlete rights and equity.