One of the biggest revenue drivers for a university or college can be found in their athletic programs.  Ask a young person what their favorite school is, and it usually will be linked to their favorite basketball, football and/or other sport.  Being that these schools are greatly profiting from athletic success, a growing conversation over the past few years is whether college players should be rewarded in the same manner.  Said more simply, should this cash end up in the player’s pockets too?

In the past, students were rewarded with scholarships and educational assistance.  However, as some sports bring in millions of dollars, is an educational commitment an even trade?  Over the past few months, as I have watched the system change, I have found myself siding with athletes receiving additional gains from their athletic pursuits. 

The NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules now make it possible for a player to capitalize on their college success.  You might ask why I think a scholarship is not enough; collegiate players don’t always make it to the professional ranks to claim their financial rewards.  Some of the most talented collegiate talent ends their athletic careers at the end of college; more importantly, if the college can use a player’s name and likeness to generate money, the athlete should be able to as well.

If players are to be compensated, however, there must be regulations and rules that prohibit schools from paying them directly.  Also, in my belief, there should be a system in place to ensure that all athletes in the program are being rewarded.  Often, the team is used as the draw for the university, and this allows everyone to be involved in the purse.  While there are ultimately a number of things to iron out, I do believe the NIL will continue to drive athletes to want to make it to college and succeed as they can be rewarded for it.

I look forward to watching how athletes being rewarded for their abilities continues to change and hope to continue to advocate for their rights.