Should College Athletes Get Paid?
Start writing a post
Sports

Should College Athletes Get Paid?

The NCAA is making billions on what some fans think to be "slave labor". While that may be extreme, it helps represent how the NCAA is using these players to turn a huge profit. So... Should college athletes be paid?

316
Should College Athletes Get Paid?

College sports generate billions and billions of dollars every year. From ticket sales to merchandise, it is one of the biggest contributors to the sports industry. For years and years, one of the biggest questions in college sports is whether or not college athletes deserve to be paid. As of now, the players receive zero royalties. Granted, many athletes receive scholarship money from the school to attend, but if you look at the big picture, they are generating SOOOO much more for the school than the school saves them. I have come up with some pros and cons to this big question.

Pro #1: It provides the needed income for players

Paying college athletes eliminates the need for them to find other ways to support themselves. Many scholarships may offer the basic college needs, like tuition, room, and board, but not every student athlete qualifies for a scholarship. Walk-on players receive zero compensation while still helping being the face of the school and generating tons of cash. Paying all athletes would allow them to focus on academics and athletics without worrying about making ends meet.

Pro #2: It attracts talent

Colleges that can compensate athletes for more cash will help attract more talented players. By offering a stipend for playing, much like a work-study program, students would gain another incentive to become involved in athletics.

Pro #3: It can stop corruption

Many college athletes receive bribes from organizations to get them to accept the offer for a team. Most recently, Deandre Ayton, #1 overall pick in last year's NBA draft, was offered a $100,000 bribe from Arizona's Men's Head Coach Sean Miller.

Pro #4: Athletes would be more willing to stay in school

The so-called "one and done" route that many college athletes have taken to the pros can be very concerning for their future. Now, if they are drafted into their respected league and have a professional league, then things may turn out fine for them. However, many players are not so successful, and now they don't have a professional sports job NOR a college education. If they were getting paid, they may feel encouraged enough to stay for all 4 years, both making money and earning a college degree.

Pro #5: It's overall good business

Let's face it... the players are the ones putting their bodies on the line with the spotlight on them. Therefore, they deserve to be compensated for their efforts. Also, fans are not buying Villanova jerseys because they like the Villanova coaching personnel, they buy tons of college sports merchandise to support the team and its players.

Con #1: It might put the student's education second

If college athletes are making cash while playing, they are more likely to focus on sports rather than keeping up with their education. However, this offsets with the pro that they may stay in school all 4 years.

Con #2: It could burden smaller colleges

Small colleges with less known sports programs may financially struggle since they don't generate as much revenue as the big D1 programs.

Con #3: How much?

Every program generates a different amount of revenue, so how much should each athlete receive? Would a player be paid on how much they play? How well they play? Will men get paid more than women, like it is in professional sports? This is one of the biggest issues with giving college athletes the opportunity to be paid.

Con #4: It may cause school budget problems

Many schools reinvest their profits. If they had to pay players, there would be much less money available for the overall college itself.

The NCAA is making billions on what some fans think to be "slave labor". While that may be extreme, it helps represent how the NCAA is using these players to turn a huge profit. So... Should college athletes be paid? Should they, at the minimum, receive royalties for any merchandise or advertisement that represents their image? This debate is so ethically and morally complicated that there may never be a true answer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71305
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133419
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments