Why Should College Athletes Be Paid for 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Intercollegiate sports have long been a part of what makes college appealing. Consequently, athletics programs bring in a lot of money for some colleges. In 2021, the largest college sports organization in the United States, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), generated $18.9 billion in revenue. However, college athletes have not been paid ever since collegiate sports competitions were organized. Many see the amateur ideal as an excuse used by many big-time college sports programs not to share the revenue generated with the athletes themselves. Even so, being an athlete can be viewed as a full-time occupation as students spend so much time and effort in fulfilling their athletics duties. Thus, the sports management debate over why should college athletes be paid always resurfaces.

This guide would present the two sides of the debate and discuss relevant details to each argument. It will feature the reasons why college athletes should be paid. Likewise, it will present the dissenting opinions on paying student-athletes. The concepts of collegiate sports and college athletes would also be discussed to shed more light on this issue.

Why Should College Athletes Be Paid Table of Contents

1. What is college athletics?
2. Historical Overview of College Athlete Compensation
3. Why should college athletes be paid?
4. The Interests of College Athletics
5. How can financial literacy empower college athletes?
6. How Can Enhanced Academic Programs Secure Long-Term Success for College Athletes?
7. What alternative compensation models are viable for college athletes?
8. Are there benefits from not paying college athletes?
9. Can Accelerated Academic Programs Reduce Financial Strain for Student-Athletes?
10. What Are the Tax and Financial Planning Considerations for Paid College Athletes?
11. How Does Social Media Influence College Athlete Compensation Opportunities?
12. What paying athletes could mean for college sports
13. What role does mental health play in the discussion on paying college athletes?
14. The Future of College Sports: Inclusivity and Accessibility
15. How Can College Athletes Enhance Long-Term Career Prospects Through Academic Choices?

The relationship between athletics and academics is unique in the United States. Academics may criticize the impact of intercollegiate sports on student cultures, institutional spending, and campus priorities, but intercollegiate athletics helps explain American higher education’s global dominance.

Accordingly, the popularity of college sports created a lucrative industry that generates billions of dollars today, and even inspired unique business name ideas. However, these revenues provide much to the development of the college community as a whole, but one. College athletes claim that they are less compensated, if not left out, for their contribution to sports. Thus, college athletes demand to be paid. Arguments then arise on why should college athletes be paid.

What is college athletics?

To understand the context of why should college athletes be paid, it is important to first define college athletics, college athletes, and the college athlete compensation system.

The Role of College Athletics

The term “college athletics" describes a variety of sports played as a requirement for higher education at a university or other comparable institution. College sports are very popular, particularly in the United States, and championships are organized in divisions based on different sports disciplines. College sports organizations, like the NCAA, primarily sanction the championships.

One of the main partakers in any college sport is the college athlete, or more specifically termed in the field as a “student-athlete." In 2020, there were a total of 504,619 student-athletes in the NCAA.

A student-athlete, as defined by the NCAA, is a full-time or part-time student at a university or college who also participates in the school’s organized and competitive athletic program. Student-athletes must fulfill the responsibilities of both a student and a young athlete. That is to say, they must enroll in and attend college-sponsored courses in addition to taking part in a varsity intercollegiate sport.

In addition to attending classes, studying, and taking exams, student-athletes have team responsibilities that can include:

• Attending practice, typically 20 hours per week, according to the NCAA
• Maintaining a minimum grade-point average (GPA) to stay eligible
• Practicing and training when classes are not in session
• Representing the college with respectful behavior during games and competitions

In the United States, participating in college sports is a requirement for any aspiring professional athlete. Sports stars attend college education before being drafted by professional teams near the end of their education. While it is still extremely difficult to make it as a professional in any sport, the college environment provides those with the necessary talent and determination with a fantastic platform to potentially compete professionally in the future.

The Student-Athlete Compensation System

College athletes receive various financial and non-monetary support from their college community. The athletes may be eligible to receive athletic scholarships from their college or university to help pay for tuition, books, and other expenses. NCAA Division I and II schools provide more than $3.7 billion in athletics scholarships annually.

Sports governing organizations, like the NCAA, regulate the majority of these scholarships. These organizations establish minimum requirements for each scholarship, such as GPAs and scores on standardized tests, as well as the amount of each scholarship and the number of student-athletes eligible to receive it. Each scholarship recipient must also meet the admission requirements of the school.

College athletic scholarships are frequently viewed as a win-win situation for both the student-athlete and the educational institution. The student receives financial assistance and the school secures a promising athlete who can help raise revenue. However, while an athletic scholarship is a huge benefit to the student, it is also a contract.

An athletic scholarship is essentially a yearly contract that must be renewed each school year. If a scholarship is not renewed, the student-athlete will be responsible for covering their tuition and other costs. Furthermore, an athletic scholarship does not necessarily imply that the school will cover all sports-related injuries sustained by the student-athlete. While the school is required to inform student-athletes about their medical coverage, there is currently no standardized healthcare coverage for student-athletes.

Finally, accepting an athletic scholarship entails committing to play for the school that offered the scholarship. Thus, it can keep a student from transferring to another university. If student-athletes wish to transfer, the school must grant permission. Transferring schools without due permission from the original institution may result in lawsuits against the student for breach of contract.

During the Academic Year 2019-2020, colleges in the United States awarded more than $4 billion in athletic scholarships (ScholarshipStats.com data, 2020).

Historical Overview of College Athlete Compensation

The debate around compensating college athletes has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century when college sports first gained popularity. Initially, student-athletes were seen as amateurs, expected to compete without financial reward. Over time, as college sports grew into a multi-billion-dollar industry, questions arose about the fairness of this model.

Key legal battles, such as the 2014 O'Bannon v. NCAA case, challenged the NCAA’s rules that prohibited athletes from profiting from their likeness. The ruling in favor of O'Bannon opened the door for changes in athlete compensation, particularly through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. As a result, in 2021, the NCAA changed its policies to allow athletes to earn money from endorsements.

These changes mark a significant shift in how college athletes are treated and continue to fuel discussions on whether athletes should receive direct salaries from their schools. Understanding this historical context helps frame the current debate over the role of compensation in college athletics.

Why should college athletes be paid?

Considering the circumstances around the college athlete compensation system, the athletes demand a more substantial share of the revenue they help to generate. So, should college athletes be paid to play? Below are some points explaining should college athletes be paid pros and cons.

Pros of Paying College Athletes

1. Paying athletes reduces the need for additional work. Student scholarships may pay for books, tuition, and other common college costs, but they do not cover all of a student’s expenses. Other athletes pay their expenses and compete as walk-ons because they do not meet the scholarship requirements. As a result, athletes frequently work outside of sports and academics to supplement their income, making this a primary argument for why should college athletes get paid. Paying them for their services would allow them to concentrate on their studies and athletics without being distracted.
2. Paying college athletes would be equivalent to a work-study program. Unless there are grants, student loans, or scholarships available, the cost of attending school falls on their family or other support systems. It is fortunate if a student is allowed to play professionally, but since it can be true for less than 2% of the students, paying them while they are still in school would benefit many families financially.
3. College athletes who are paid may be more willing to stay at their school for a longer time. Star athletes frequently leave school after receiving a professional offer, with many never returning to finish their education. Ensuring that student-athletes are paid may not only alleviate the financial burden that some families face when sending their children to college. It may also encourage college athletes to stay for education before going pro.

Cons of Paying College athletes

1. College athletes are already compensated in full. Athletes may not currently be paid in cash for their efforts, but they do receive other forms of financial support. These include athletic development services such as professional advice, strength training, fitness coordination, and health support from trainers and therapists, which can cost thousands of dollars in total. When they are on scholarships, they receive free tuition and stipends, boarding costs, and other financial assistance.
2. Paying college athletes can result in additional costs because only a few sports generate a profit for a school. Men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and gridiron football are the three most popular sports at most colleges and universities. The majority of the other athletic endeavors generate little revenue while still costing the institution money. Less popular sports are likely to be eliminated from most colleges’ and universities’ athletics programs because funding for athlete salaries must come from somewhere in the budget.
3. Paying college athletes may create legal complications. Colleges would be viewed as entering into an employment contract if they began paying athletes for their participation in their sports. Contract negotiations would be a burden on young students and their families. Likewise, academic eligibility clauses, such as grade requirements, may also be challenged. Athletes with employment contracts must maintain athletic performance to earn their salary, and academic performance does not reflect their athletic achievement. As such, the institution would stop emphasizing the value of education, as it does now with scholarships, by starting a program that would grant athletes access to a regular paycheck. Furthermore, it may create ambiguous concerns regarding Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which requires colleges and universities to give male and female student-athletes equal opportunities.

The Interests of College Athletics

Academic, Sports, and Recreation

Athletics and academics have a unique relationship, particularly in the United States. College sports contribute much to American higher education’s global dominance and the appeal of college has long included sports competitions. Team sports have a significant positive impact on alumni ties, local and regional identities, recruitment and admissions, as well as fundraising.

Experts say physically active people are not only healthier but also perform better on tests of cerebral or intellectual ability, according to studies (Hernandez-Mendo et al., 2019). While some college athletes struggle to balance their athletic and academic commitments, many students find that the high level of organization required to accomplish both can push them to be highly successful in both areas. Grades and GPA averages are not always the only indicators of academic success. Many college athletes work hard to strike a balance between their obligations.

Yukhymenko-Lescroart (2021) provided more details about this relationship in her study “The role of passion for sport in college student-athletes’ motivation and effort in academics and athletics" published in the International Journal of Educational Research Open. The study analyzed the motivational factors that influence student-athlete perceptions of their efforts within and between the academic and athletic domains. According to her study, “athletic effort was regulated through interest in sport; whereas academic effort was regulated through academic identity and the perceived value of classes. Across-domain relationships emerged between athletic identity and academic effort and between perceived academic value and sport effort. Results revealed a salient role of harmonious passion for sport in psychological needs and autonomous motivation, both within- and across-domains. Obsessive passion for sport was advantageous to athletic identity and perceived sport value, but detrimental to perceived choice of major. Taken together, findings highlight the importance of considering cross-domain spillover effects in student-athletes’ motivation and effort."

Despite evidence of the benefits of athletic participation, major college sports have largely been ignored as a serious academic subject within higher education. This could be because scholars believe the subject is not important enough to study.

Nevertheless, athletic programs help participants develop fitness, competitiveness, drive, and discipline. They carry what they learn about teamwork, individual responsibility, perseverance, and goal-oriented tasks with them as they grow into competent professionals. Additionally, the bonds that form between teammates often transcend the playing field. All of that camaraderie benefits the university in the long run when alumni gather and donate to their alma mater.

The College Sports Industry

Athletics programs bring in a lot of money for some colleges. Universities generate billions of dollars in revenue from media rights, ticket sales, branding, and direct program donations. In 2019, the athletic departments of NCAA member colleges generated $18.9 billion in revenue.

While athletes may choose a college based on its athletic program, the reputation a school gains through sports can also attract non-athletes. Team spirit and its derivative fan loyalty can infect a campus and a community. Some colleges have sports cultures that engulf surrounding towns and permeate their states. Branding generates revenue on its own, but it also attracts additional contributions from alumni and fans.

How can financial literacy empower college athletes?

Comprehensive financial education equips college athletes with the tools needed to navigate both short-term budgeting and long-term career planning. Tailored financial literacy programs can foster informed decision-making related to investments, savings, and managing earnings from opportunities such as NIL deals. By integrating specialized learning resources into their curriculum, athletes can enhance their understanding of financial markets and alternative career pathways. This approach not only prepares them for the unpredictable nature of sports careers but also enables them to pursue diverse income-generating opportunities, including exploring fields outside athletics, such as enrolling in a 4 week online course for medical coding and billing cost.

How Can Enhanced Academic Programs Secure Long-Term Success for College Athletes?

A structured academic framework tailored for college athletes can serve as a strategic alternative to direct monetary compensation. Institutions may partner with specialized educational providers to design flexible learning options that accommodate unpredictable athletic schedules and rigorous training demands. For instance, integrating programs offered by online colleges with open enrollment can allow athletes to advance their studies without compromising practice or competition commitments. Such initiatives emphasize career-oriented curricula, practical skill development, and personalized academic advising, thereby reinforcing athletes' long-term professional trajectories and financial stability.

What alternative compensation models are viable for college athletes?

Alternative compensation models propose a shift away from the traditional scholarship-only system by incorporating revenue sharing, performance incentives, and long-term academic investments. Some models suggest establishing revenue pools that distribute a portion of sports-generated income directly to athletes, while others advocate for enhanced scholarship packages tied to educational and career outcomes. These approaches aim to balance fairness with institutional sustainability and protect the academic mission without compromising athletic excellence. Additionally, integrating flexible financial and educational programs—such as those that explore more affordable academic pathways, as seen when is online college cheaper—can offer student-athletes both monetary and career development benefits, ensuring a more comprehensive support system.

Are there benefits from not paying college athletes?

Intercollegiate sports have always been described by their amateurism, the classical ideal of disinterested athleticism untainted by money (Lewis, 2006). Because of this, college athletes have not been paid since the first organized sports competitions between colleges and universities in the late 1800s. By the early 20th century, collegiate sports, particularly gridiron football, were popularly participated in by professional athletes that bring raucousness and violence to the games, something that is not aligned with aristocratic amateurism portrayed by the collegiate competition.

As a result, the NCAA was established, which prohibited professionalism in collegiate athletics and put restrictions on how much money college athletes could be paid. The rules are intended to preserve the amateurism of student participants. According to the NCAA, fans would lose interest in the games if the players were professional athletes. To ensure that college athletes remain a part of the college community, the rules also limit the athletes’ compensation to capped scholarships.

Consequently, in the 1950s, the term “student-athlete" was coined by the NCAA to help the organization fight workers’ compensation claimed by injured college athletes (Solomon, 2018). Later, the NCAA used the phrase in court for decades to contest compensation claims involving athletes who died or were seriously injured while performing athletic services for universities. According to the latest available data, on average, the estimated injury rate per 1,000 athlete exposures is 6% (CDC, 2015).

NCAA officials maintain that economic constraints on college athletes are vital for their well-being and academic success (Branch, 2015). However, economists argue that major college sports are a perfect illustration of collusion to rig the labor market against the athletes’ interests.

Hence, efforts have been made to prevent the term from being used to refer to students participating in college sports. Branch (2014) said the term student-athlete was “intentionally ambiguous because college players were not students at play, nor were they just athletes in college." Being students at play understates their athletic obligations, while referring to them as athletes in college may imply, they were professionals. As a result, the term is always used to refer to a student rather than a worker.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) argued that college athletes should be regarded as university employees in this case (Abruzzo, 2021). The term has been used to discredit college athletes who are organizing for employment rights. Therefore, college athletes are employees under the Act, and misclassifying them as “student-athletes" and leading them to believe they are not protected by the Act has a chilling effect, according to the NLRB.

Some athletes receive full tuition, scholarship coverage, and housing, which onlookers may interpret as payment for playing. Others even claim that money given as compensation would put the athlete further in debt. However, being an athlete can be viewed as a full-time occupation, and students spend so much time missing class, at practice, or at games that they have no time to earn extra money for other personal needs.

Can Accelerated Academic Programs Reduce Financial Strain for Student-Athletes?

Accelerated academic programs offer an underexplored pathway that addresses both educational advancement and financial relief for student-athletes. By compressing degree timelines and reducing overall tuition expenses, these programs can help athletes manage their rigorous practice schedules without prolonging their time in college. Integrating condensed learning models into athletic programs enables students to maintain academic progress while staying competitive on the field. Moreover, tailored pathways—such as pursuing a 6 month associate degree—provide a swift entry into the workforce or a smoother transition to further education, thereby mitigating long-term debt and financial uncertainty.

What Are the Tax and Financial Planning Considerations for Paid College Athletes?

Compensating college athletes introduces new tax liabilities and financial responsibilities that demand careful planning and management. Direct payments, along with earnings from name, image, and likeness deals, constitute taxable income under federal and state law. Student-athletes must navigate complex tax regulations, including quarterly estimated tax payments and potential self-employment obligations when dealing with endorsement income.

A robust financial strategy that incorporates budgeting, tax planning, and long-term investment is essential to mitigate unforeseen tax burdens. Financial advisors with specialized expertise in sports compensation and collegiate finances can offer guidance tailored to these challenges. Additionally, integrating comprehensive financial education into athletic programs can support athletes in managing their earnings effectively. Exploring programs, such as easy degrees to get online that pay well, provides a pathway to enhance financial literacy, ensuring that athletic compensation contributes to long-term economic stability.

How Does Social Media Influence College Athlete Compensation Opportunities?

Digital platforms are increasingly shaping the landscape of college sports by allowing athletes to build and manage influential personal brands. A strong social media presence not only increases visibility but also creates additional avenues for income through targeted endorsements and NIL deals. By strategically curating content and engaging with followers, athletes can attract sponsorship opportunities and demonstrate a marketable persona to both traditional sports stakeholders and digital advertisers. In parallel, leveraging digital branding strategies can complement academic pursuits and career planning, with programs like 1 year online master's programs offering critical business and management skills to navigate a digitally integrated sports economy.

What Paying Athletes Could Mean for College Sports

Despite the high earnings generated by college sports, college athletes have been barred from participating in this profitable industry, leaving them unable to leverage their talent. However, changes in governing body rulings provide opportunities for college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). For instance, naming a business ideas could now include a popular athlete’s name and photos.

The NIL Rights

Beginning July 1, 2021, NCAA college athletes can earn money from their name, image, and likeness after the governing bodies adopted a uniform interim policy suspending NCAA NIL rules for all incoming and current student-athletes in all sports (NCAA, 2021). The interim policy directed all concerned to the following:

• Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities may be a resource for state law questions.
• College athletes who attend a school in a state without a NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image, and likeness.
• Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
• Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school. (Brutlag Hosick, 2021)

However, the policy in all three divisions maintains the commitment to avoid pay-for-play and improper inducements linked to attending a specific school.

Consequently, a growing number of states have passed legislation allowing athletes to be compensated for their names, images, or likenesses (Smalley, 2022). These laws allowed student-athletes to be paid for endorsements, advertisements, and activities like signing autographs. As of February 18, 2022, 28 states had passed legislation allowing college athletes to earn compensation (Smalley, 2022). Legislation has been passed in 27 states, and one governor has signed executive orders. Some states, however, are debating amending or repealing their NIL laws over concerns that they may be more onerous for athletes than NCAA regulations. The first state to repeal its NIL law was Alabama on February 3.

Legal Issues and Their Implications for College Athletics

In late 2019, California passed the Fair Pay to Play Act, and 40 other states introduced legislation along the same lines. In 2021, the number of bills enacted related to student-athlete compensation increased, with 21 states passing legislation. Some states have cited the need to remain relevant for recruiting as a reason for the quick passage of their bills. At least five other states are currently considering legislation regarding student-athlete compensation.

The specific provisions of such legislation vary by state, but enacted bills generally include language barring the NCAA, conferences, and schools from prohibiting student-athletes from receiving compensation for their names, images, or likenesses. Additionally, a lot of states permit athletes to work with agents and demand that schools be informed of any endorsement and advertising agreements.

On June 21, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision rejecting the NCAA’s ban on education-related benefits for student-athletes. Even though the case did not specifically address payment for the use of a student’s name, image, or likeness, many legal analysts believe the outcome opens the door to more extensive challenges of the NCAA’s claim that collegiate athletes must remain unpaid to maintain a model of amateurism.

The NCAA’s interim NIL decision allows college athletes to earn money through activities such as sponsorship and public appearances, which were previously prohibited on the dubious grounds that they would jeopardize amateur sports’ integrity.

The NIL rule also applies to teams. Additionally, schools are still generally prohibited from paying student-athletes directly for their efforts. Furthermore, the new NIL policy primarily benefits the more well-known athletes.

The limitations of the interim policy will become apparent over the coming years as it is perfected, but it is a step in the right direction. Thus, it should be refined rather than discarded. College sports, amateur or not, are big business. Beyond scholarships, college athletes receive almost none of the revenue they generate. That is not a problem for the few college athletes who go on to have professional playing careers, but it is unfair to the majority of athletes whose athletic careers end when they graduate from college. They deserve to benefit financially from their playing years, just like professional athletes do.

The consequences of court decisions and state laws that allow college athletes to sign non-disclosure agreements are being felt on campuses across the country, although schools and athletes have received little guidance on how to manage the process. While being recruited by various schools, top high school athletes in football, basketball, and other revenue-generating college sports will consider their potential for endorsement earnings.

What role does mental health play in the discussion on paying college athletes?

The debate on paying college athletes often overlooks the impact of financial stress and high athletic expectations on their mental health. As student-athletes balance rigorous academic and sports commitments, the lack of compensation can exacerbate mental health challenges, adding pressure to already demanding schedules.

• Increased Stress and Anxiety Due to Financial Pressures:
  • Many student-athletes struggle with financial concerns, as scholarships may not fully cover personal expenses, travel, or living costs. The inability to work a traditional job due to sports commitments adds further stress.
  • Financial pressures can lead to heightened anxiety and reduced mental well-being, as athletes may worry about their financial stability and the impact of these challenges on their future.
• Burnout and Performance Pressure:
  • College athletes often face intense pressure to perform at a high level, which can result in burnout. Compounding this is the knowledge that they generate significant revenue without fair compensation, leading to feelings of exploitation.
  • Mental health experts have noted that performance pressure is particularly high in revenue-generating sports, such as football and basketball, increasing burnout risks among athletes in these fields.
• Limited Access to Mental Health Resources:
  • Although some colleges offer mental health services, access varies widely, and student-athletes may not receive adequate support for issues related to financial stress and athletic demands.
  • Paid compensation could help alleviate some of these mental health stressors by providing financial relief, enabling student-athletes to seek additional resources for their mental well-being.

The Future of College Sports: Inclusivity and Accessibility

While the debate over compensation for college athletes continues, it's crucial to consider how accessibility and inclusivity shape the future of collegiate sports. Expanding educational opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as veterans and active military members, is one area where progress can be made. Programs designed to support these groups, like those offered by some of the military friendly online colleges, demonstrate how institutions can bridge gaps not only in education but also in athletics.

Integrating individuals from different backgrounds into college sports enriches the diversity and holistic growth of the athletes involved. For instance, military-affiliated students bring discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills acquired through service, which align seamlessly with the values of athletic programs. Similarly, providing flexible schedules and targeted support can enable more individuals to compete in college-level sports while pursuing their academic or personal commitments.

By fostering inclusivity and collaboration, universities can not only strengthen their athletic programs but also create a more equitable and supportive environment for all students. Addressing these challenges at the intersection of education, athletics, and accessibility ensures that the core values of collegiate sports adapt to meet modern societal needs.

How Can College Athletes Enhance Long-Term Career Prospects Through Academic Choices?

College athletes face unique challenges in transitioning from competitive sports to careers when professional athletic opportunities are limited. Integrating tailored academic planning and career guidance into collegiate athletic programs can play a pivotal role in this transition. Institutions that offer dedicated advising help athletes select degree programs aligned with future job markets and personal interests, ensuring that academic decisions enhance long-term financial and professional stability. For instance, exploring options provided by the easiest college majors can offer pathways that balance athletic commitments with realistic career planning. By emphasizing structured academic advising and customized curricula, colleges can empower student-athletes to capitalize on their educational opportunities and secure viable career trajectories beyond sports.

Balancing the Interests of College Athletics

Every year, the debate over whether student-athletes should be paid resurfaces, with the most common arguments pointing to the fact that college-level sport is supposed to be amateur enterprise. Being on a college sports team is seen here as an integral part of the education students are paying for rather than a job or a career. However, as the cost of getting a bachelor’s degree continue to rise, this point of view becomes problematic. Financial difficulties are common among student-athletes, especially those who do not have the opportunity to continue playing professionally after college, thus giving rise to modern arguments for why should student athletes be paid.

For years, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has been the subject of almost constant debate. While this debate frequently focuses on financial compensation for amateur athletes, many experts argue that one of the NCAA’s most important obligations to players, particularly those from underserved communities and low-income families, should be to prepare them for a future that may not include a lucrative professional sports career.

Miller (2022), in a paper published in the Journal of Intercollegiate Sport titled “The Centerpiece of College Athletics:" Prioritizing Education in the College Sports Reform Movement," proposed “concrete and specific reforms that would more sufficiently compensate the professional role revenue-generating college athletes perform, without sacrificing the educational connection that is vital to the core of college sports for all male and female athletes, regardless of revenue-generation. It argues that colleges involved in revenue-generating college sports should expect college athletes to be students first, encourage them to earn pay for their names, images, and likenesses (NILs), and strike a better balance between providing education to athletes and entertainment to the public. Specific reforms include raising eligibility requirements, giving athletes more time and financial assistance to finish their college degrees, and tying coaching pay to graduation rates, all of which would support the notion that universities treat athletes ethically."

Key Insights

• Revenue Generation and Amateurism Debate: The NCAA generated $18.9 billion in revenue in 2021, sparking debates over whether college athletes should be compensated beyond scholarships. Critics argue that the amateurism ideal is used to justify not sharing profits with athletes, despite the extensive time and effort athletes invest.
• Student-Athlete Definition and Compensation: A student-athlete must balance academic and athletic responsibilities, including 20 hours of practice per week and maintaining a minimum GPA. They receive various forms of support, such as scholarships covering tuition and other expenses, yet these often fall short of covering all costs and do not compensate for the revenue they generate.
• Pros of Paying College Athletes: Paying athletes could reduce financial stress, allow them to focus on studies and sports without needing additional jobs, and potentially encourage them to complete their education before going professional.
• Cons of Paying College Athletes: Opponents argue that athletes already receive compensation through scholarships and athletic development services. Paying athletes could lead to additional costs for colleges, especially for less profitable sports, and create legal complexities around employment contracts and Title IX compliance.
• Legal and Policy Changes: Recent legal changes, such as the NCAA's interim NIL policy, allow college athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness, signaling a shift towards compensating athletes for their contributions. However, the full implications of these changes are still unfolding.
• Impact on College Athletics: Paying college athletes could reshape the landscape of college sports, potentially leading to the elimination of less profitable sports and changing the recruitment and retention dynamics for athletes. The relationship between athletics and academics is also a critical factor in this debate.

FAQ

1. Why should college athletes be paid? College athletes should be paid because they generate significant revenue for their institutions, invest extensive time and effort in their sports, and often face financial stress despite receiving scholarships.
2. What is the current compensation system for college athletes? College athletes primarily receive compensation through athletic scholarships that cover tuition, books, and other expenses. However, these scholarships often do not cover all costs, and athletes are not paid for the revenue they generate for their schools.
3. What are the main arguments against paying college athletes? Opponents argue that athletes are already compensated through scholarships and other forms of support. Paying athletes could lead to additional costs, legal complexities, and the elimination of less profitable sports.
4. How do recent legal changes affect college athletes' compensation? Recent legal changes, such as the NCAA's interim NIL policy, allow college athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. This marks a significant shift towards compensating athletes for their contributions and could lead to further changes in the future.
5. What are the potential benefits of paying college athletes? Paying college athletes could reduce their financial stress, allow them to focus on their studies and sports without needing additional jobs, and encourage them to complete their education before going professional.
6. What are the potential drawbacks of paying college athletes? Potential drawbacks include increased costs for colleges, especially for less profitable sports, legal complexities around employment contracts, and challenges in maintaining compliance with Title IX requirements.
7. How does the relationship between athletics and academics factor into the debate? Athletics and academics are closely linked in the United States, with college sports contributing to the global dominance of American higher education. Paying athletes could impact this relationship, potentially affecting academic performance and the overall educational experience.
8. What is the NCAA's position on paying college athletes? The NCAA has historically opposed paying college athletes, citing the importance of maintaining amateurism in college sports. However, recent changes, such as the NIL policy, indicate a shift towards allowing athletes to earn money from their contributions.
9. How might paying college athletes impact less profitable sports? Paying athletes could lead to increased costs for colleges, potentially resulting in the elimination of less profitable sports to balance budgets. This could reduce opportunities for athletes in these sports and impact the overall diversity of college athletics programs.
10. What role do state laws play in the debate over paying college athletes? State laws play a significant role, with many states passing legislation allowing athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness. These laws influence how colleges and athletes navigate the changing landscape of college sports compensation.

References

• Abruzzo, J.A. (2021). Memorandum GC 21-08: Statutory Rights of Players at Academic Institutions (Student-Athletes) Under the National Labor Relations Act. Memorandum prepared by the National Labor Relations Board. Retrieved from https://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/athena/files/2021/09/29/615471d2e4b099230d1ddf1d.pdf
• Branch, T. (2015, November 12). Toward Basic Rights for College Athletes. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/11/ncaa-taylor-branch/415389
• Branch, T. (2014, February 20). How The Myth Of The NCAA “Student-Athlete" Was Born. Deadspin. Retrieved from https://deadspin.com/how-the-myth-of-the-ncaa-student-athlete-was-born-1524282374
• Brutlag Hosick, M. (2021, June 30). NCAA adopts interim name, image, and likeness policy. NCAA Media Center. Retrieved from https://www.ncaa.org/news/2021/6/30/ncaa-adopts-interim-name-image-and-likeness-policy.aspx
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