The Pros and Cons of Paying College Athletes

By UriYah Grantham

The question of whether college athletes should be paid has become a major topic in sports, education, and even law. College sports, especially football and basketball, bring in billions of dollars every year. Many people believe that athletes deserve a share of that money since they’re the ones playing, training, and risking injury. Others think that the scholarships and benefits they already receive are enough.

One big reason athletes choose certain schools is the chance to earn money through NIL deals. NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, and it allows athletes to get paid for things like sponsorships and social media. For example, Bryce Underwood, a quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, reportedly got a $10 million NIL deal, which helped him decide to go there.

These changes mostly affect NCAA Division I schools, the ones with big sports programs and lots of fans. But smaller schools might feel the impact too. Athletes often come from families that don’t have much money, and they’re putting their health on the line every time they play. Supporters of paying athletes say it’s only fair. Critics worry it could mess up the balance of college sports.

In 2021, NIL rights were introduced, and in 2025, the House v. NCAA case changed everything. Now, schools can pay athletes directly, not just through NIL deals. Each Division I school can spend up to $20 million a year to pay athletes, but they still have to figure out how to divide that money fairly and follow laws like Title IX, which makes sure male and female athletes are treated equally.

Pros of Paying College Athletes

1: They Help Make Money: College sports earn tons of cash from tickets, TV deals, merchandise, and sponsors. Athletes are the reason people watch, so they should get paid.

2: They Work Hard and Risk Injury: Athletes spend hours training and playing, sometimes getting hurt. That can affect their future careers.

3: Some Athletes Struggle Financially: Not all athletes come from wealthy families. Paying them could help with basic needs like food, clothes, and travel.

4: NIL Isn’t Enough for Everyone: Only some athletes get big NIL deals. Direct pay from schools would help more athletes, not just the superstars.

Cons of Paying College Athletes

1: It Might Change the Focus: College is supposed to be about learning. If athletes get paid, some people worry they’ll care more about money than school.

2: Not All Schools Can Afford It: Smaller schools or less popular sports might not have enough money to pay athletes, which could lead to cuts or fewer opportunities.

3: It Could Cause Drama: If one player gets paid way more than others, it might cause tension on the team.

4: Athletes Already Get Benefits: Scholarships, free housing, meals, and access to top training facilities are valuable. Some people think that’s enough.

The rules around college sports are changing fast. Athletes now have more ways to earn money, and schools are figuring out how to pay them fairly. But the big question is still out there: should college athletes be paid like professionals, or should college sports stay focused on education?

Another thing to think about is how paying athletes could affect recruiting. If one school offers more money than another, athletes might choose based on cash instead of academics or team fit. That could make it harder for schools to compete fairly, especially if they don’t have big budgets. It might also lead to athletes switching schools more often just to get better deals.

Some people say paying athletes could help them stay in school longer. Right now, lots of top players leave early to go pro because they need money. If they got paid in college, they might stay and finish their degree. That could be good for their future, especially if their sports career doesn’t last forever.

On the flip side, paying athletes could make college sports feel more like the pros. That might take away some of the fun and school spirit. Fans love cheering for their school, not just for the money-making players. If everything becomes about contracts and payments, it could change how people feel about college games.

There’s also the question of fairness. Should all athletes get the same amount of money, or should it depend on how popular their sport is? Football and basketball get the most attention, but what about swimmers, runners, or gymnasts? Schools have to be careful to follow Title IX, which means boys and girls should be treated equally but that is a different discussion. 

Coaches and staff might also feel pressure. If athletes are getting paid, they might expect more say in how things are run. That could lead to conflicts or make it harder to manage teams. Coaches already deal with a lot, and adding money into the mix could make things more complicated.

In the end, paying college athletes is a big deal with lots of sides to think about. It’s not just about money it’s about fairness, education, and keeping sports fun. Whether you’re for it or against it, one thing’s for sure: college sports are changing, and everyone’s watching to see what happens next.

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