Should College Athletes Be Paid Salaries?

Introduction

College athletics generate billions of dollars in revenue for universities, conferences, and media corporations. While athletes are the foundation of this multi-billion dollar industry, they are largely denied the ability to share in the financial rewards. This disparity has fueled the ongoing debate about whether college athletes should be paid salaries. This paper argues that current National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations are unfair and exploitative. It proposes a revised model that compensates college athletes for the commercial value they generate, while maintaining the integrity of academics and athletics within a collegiate setting.

The Current System: Exploiting Amateurism

The NCAA justifies its current model on the basis of “amateurism,” arguing that student-athletes are primarily students and should not be treated as professional athletes. However, this ideal of amateurism is a facade. College athletics operate as a big business, generating revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, television contracts, and lucrative bowl games.

A 2021 report by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that the total economic value generated by college athletics is $14.6 billion annually. [1] Meanwhile, college athletes receive only scholarships that cover tuition, fees, room, and board. These scholarships do not account for the immense time commitment required for training and competition, nor do they compensate for the potential loss of future earning potential due to injuries sustained while playing sports.

The Exploitation of Student-Athletes

The current system exploits student-athletes in several ways:

• Loss of Earning Potential: Many college athletes dedicate 30-40 hours per week to their sport, leaving limited time for pursuing summer jobs or internships that could provide valuable work experience and contribute to their future careers outside of athletics.
• Risk of Injury: The intense training and competition schedules place athletes at high risk for injuries, some of which can have long-term health consequences. College athletes often lack the bargaining power to secure adequate compensation for the risk they take.
• Limited Educational Opportunities: The pressure to excel athletically can lead to academic neglect. Strict time demands and potential pressure from coaches can limit athletes’ ability to choose challenging academic coursework or pursue research opportunities.

A Fairer Model: Compensation and Academic Support

A revised model is needed that addresses the exploitation of student-athletes and creates a fairer system. Here’s a proposed framework:

• Revenue Sharing: A portion of the revenue generated by college athletics (television contracts, ticket sales, etc.) should be allocated towards compensating athletes. This could be distributed as a stipend or placed in a trust fund accessible to athletes upon graduation.
• Education First: Academic requirements and support systems should be strengthened to ensure that athletes graduate with valuable degrees that prepare them for successful careers beyond sports.
• Injury Protection: Comprehensive health insurance plans should be provided to cover injuries sustained during athletic participation.
• Right to Representation: College athletes should have the right to form unions or player associations to advocate for their rights and interests.

Maintaining Academic Integrity

Critics of athlete compensation argue that it would lead to “professionalization” of college athletics and detract from the academic mission of universities. However, a well-designed compensation plan can coexist with academic excellence.

• Academic Standards: Maintaining strong academic standards through stricter eligibility requirements and ongoing academic support services is crucial.
• Time Management Skills: Athletes who receive compensation will have an even greater incentive to develop strong time management skills to bala