Changes could be coming for the NCAA’s amateurism model in the future.

On Tuesday, the NCAA announced it has formed a working group to reconsider its stance on name, image and likeness payments to student-athletes. Currently, the organization forbids any type of payment for college athletes in that capacity.

“This group will bring together diverse opinions from the membership — from presidents and commissioners to student-athletes — that will examine the NCAA’s position on name, image and likeness benefits and potentially propose rule modifications tethered to education,” Big East commissioner Val Ackerman said. “We believe the time is right for these discussions and look forward to a thorough assessment of the many complexities involved in this area.”

Ackerman will also be a co-chair of the group.

Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith — who will also be a co-chair on the committee — also chimed in on the working group and its goal.

“While the formation of this group is an important step to confirming what we believe as an association, the group’s work will not result in paying students as employees,” Smith said. “That structure is contrary to the NCAA’s educational mission and will not be a part of this discussion.”

The idea of the group isn’t to necessarily allow college athletes to become employees of the university, but to pursue other potential opportunities on the open market.

Obviously, the working group is just a baby step, but it’s still an important step in the right direction for the NCAA.