Author Meets Critics: Darrell Lovell and Daniel J. Mallinson’s “Name, Image, and Likeness Policies"

Session Submission Type: Author meet critics

Abstract

This “Author Meets Critics” panel brings together a core group of scholars considering sports policy and politics to discuss Darrel Lovell and Daniel J. Mallinson’s Name, Image, and Likeness Policies: Institutional Impact and State Responses (Routledge, December 2023). This book examines the path that name, image, and likeness (NIL) has taken in the first years of the policy, how the expansion has led to differing approaches across state and universities, and how administrators in selected states are dealing with the rulemaking power they have.

After contextualising how NIL policies have impacted the administrative approach at institutions, the remaining chapters focus on how NIL has altered the role of compliance offices and administrators tasked with monitoring academic and financial activity in athletic departments. Chapters leverage theories of policy diffusion and implementation to offer context on the topics from administrative and policy perspectives, whilst also examining how entrepreneurs are both using the policies to advance the status of the athletic arms of their institutions while dealing with these compliance struggles. The book concludes with a discussion of an unsettled policy landscape and whether stricter guidelines are on the horizon.

The panelists represent the small, but growing, body of work within political science, public policy, and public administration considering how studying sports politics and policy brings new insights on our theories. Lovell and Mallinson will present their future work surrounding the impact of NIL deals on student agency and voice. The panelists have expertise from two important different perspectives: public policy and public administration. Each of the panelists has also conducted research on NIL policy, which will enable a rich debate about this research agenda.

Sub Unit

• General Paper and Panel Submissions

Chair

• Darrell Lovell West Texas A&M University

Presenters

• Daniel J Mallinson Penn State, Harrisburg

• Joshua Jansa Oklahoma State University

• M. Blair Thomas University of Central Florida

• Amanda Clark Florida International University