ATLANTA (News Talk 1480 WHBC) – They’re finally allowed to get paid for their play. The NCAA Board of Governors has taken the first step toward allowing athletes to cash in on their fame.

The board voted unanimously on Tuesday to clear the way for the amateur athletes to “benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness.”

Board chair and current President at the Ohio State University, Michael V. Drake said the board realized that it “must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes.”

The board asked leaders of all three divisions to created new rules beginning immediately, but no later than January of 2021.