The landscape of college sports is about to change in a huge way.

The NCAA Board of Governors reached a landmark decision today that has started the process to allow student-athletes "to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model." 

"We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” said Michael V. Drake, the chair of the NCAA board and president of Ohio State, in a press release issued today. “Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”

The press release also notes a number of "principals and guidelines" in which schools should guide this new ruling, points which focus on the treatment of student-athletes to other students, the continued focus on education, and a heavy emphasis on clarity of rules as it relates to the distinction between "collegiate and professional opportunities." 

“As a national governing body, the NCAA is uniquely positioned to modify its rules to ensure fairness and a level playing field for student-athletes,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “The board’s action today creates a path to enhance opportunities for student-athletes while ensuring they compete against students and not professionals.”