Ed O'Bannon v. the NCAA: A complete analysis before the trial

Ed O'Bannon's case against the NCAA could result in landmark changes to the college sports landscape.

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But celebrity college athletes are few and far between. The vast majority of Division I football and men's basketball players are not household names, and only a small number would likely become rich through changes in amateurism rules. Most would likely gain relatively modest compensation through group licensing contracts negotiated on their behalf by a trade association. Accessing this compensation would probably be delayed until after college.

The NCAA will look to prove that amateurism rules are essential to attracting sports fans.

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Michael McCann is a Massachusetts attorney and the founding director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. He is also the distinguished visiting Hall of Fame Professor of Law at Mississippi College School of Law.