For decades, college athletics have been a cornerstone of American culture, generating billions of dollars in revenue through broadcast deals, merchandise sales, and ticketed events. Yet, the athletes at the heart of this spectacle—those who sacrifice their time, energy, and health—remain largely uncompensated beyond scholarships. This disparity not only raises ethical concerns but also reflects a system that profits off the labor of young athletes without offering them their fair share. It’s finally time to reimagine the collegiate sports model and ensure that the players who fuel its success are finally paid what they deserve.

The discussion around paying college athletes has grown significantly over the past few decades, fueled by concerns about fairness, equity, and the financial realities of collegiate sports. For the past three years, college athletes in the United States could not be paid by their schools directly. Athletes were held to profit off of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.

With NIL rights being implemented in 2021, athletes can sign endorsement deals, partner with brands, and monetize their social media presence. While this change has provided opportunities for some athletes—particularly those in high-profile sports—NIL deals primarily benefit a small fraction of players, leaving others in less visible programs with limited earning potential.

In response to growing scrutiny, the NCAA and its five power conferences agreed to a plan allowing universities to pay athletes straight-up for the first time in history in May 2024, according to ESPN.

The NCAA now has to pay more than $2.7 billion over 10 years to past and current college athletes. Also implemented are new revenue-sharing plans which allow schools to share up to $20 million per year with its athletes.

Potential problems still exist, however, as brought up by ESPN College Football Insider Pete Thamel, who posed new questions regarding the plans.

“With this roughly $20 million, does $10 million go to women’s sports…or can we take $18 million and direct that towards football?” Thamel said.

With the amount of revenue made by collegiate sports teams annually, $20 million is a small amount to spread to a whole school. According to a 2015 Harvard Business School Study, top schools make up to $200 million from their football and basketball programs in one year. One win in a given college football season can produce $3 million dollars by itself.

Increasing the amount of money available to athletes has other benefits for the young adults as well. A student-athlete who has a source of income is less likely to move on from school early to join the pro leagues.

Former Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel discussed his decision to leave college football after only two season in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

“Being able to make an amount of money like that, I would’ve made more money staying in college than I probably would’ve on a rookie contract…I felt pressure to go to the NFL to try and make a dollar amount that nobody in my family had,” Manziel said.

Manziel became famous for his incredible college play, but when it came to the NFL, the former Texas A&M quarterback only appeared in 14 games for the Cleveland Browns, with his skills never fully developing to a pro level. Manziel also struggled with off the field issues. The first round draft pick, had he been paid at the collegiate level, could have stayed in college, further strengthening both his football talent and his education.

All Division I athletes dating back to 2016 are eligible to receive a share of the $2.7 billion. In exchange for the money, athletes cannot sue the NCAA for other potential antitrust violations.

ESPN sports commentator Scott Van Pelt addressed all of the moving pieces shortly after the deal was announced.

“I don’t know who is entitled to how much, who’s owed what…a great deal of uncertainty [still exists]. It was long overdue,” Van Pelt said.

NIL has created issues in the past, most recently with Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was offered $6 million from an anonymous school to stay in college football instead of declaring for the NFL draft. Many consider this tampering, but with the new sharing plans set to take effect as soon as fall of 2025, deals like this will begin to go away.

There are still many things to figure out regarding payment in damages and revenue plans, as Van Pelt mentioned. It is good to see college athletes receiving some sort of monetary value, even if $20 million is scarce for hundreds of athletes per university.

Paying these student-athletes more than what the revenue plan initially shared can lead to less arguments about dividing up the cash, and will help strengthen the skills of the young adults both on the field and in the classroom.

With the amount of revenue each school sees due to their athletes, it is what they rightfully deserve.