College Athletes Allowed to Earn At Last

By Henry Sacks ‘26 
Collegiate athletes are now eligible to receive compensation through Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). NIL is a policy that allows players to engage in activities such as signing autographs, running camps, and endorsing brands - ultimately leading to payment for the college players. While many critics oppose this idea, this policy is extremely beneficial and appropriate for college athletes.

Collegiate athletes are now eligible to receive compensation through Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). NIL is a policy that allows players to engage in activities such as signing autographs, running camps, and endorsing brands - ultimately leading to payment for the college players. While many critics oppose this idea, this policy is extremely beneficial and appropriate for college athletes.
    Before the approval of NIL, college athletes were viewed as amateurs. Considering their hard work and dedication toward their chosen sport, it is neither an accurate nor fair statement to call a Division 1 athlete an amateur. The NIL rules allow college athletes to discredit unfair nicknames and prove their talent. 
“I love watching college sports when it comes to March Madness or Michigan football games. What D1 athletes can do is very impressive, and I personally find watching them equally as interesting and fun as watching professional games,” said sophomore Brandon Schall.
    Nearly a year after the approval of the NIL deal, there have been many short-term and long-term benefits.
    Tim Derdenger, a sports marketing expert at Carnegie Mellon University, said, “What the public has to be aware of is that these NIL laws were created in the spirit of being beneficial to the players — and they are.”
Through this new enactment, college athletes are compensated, allowing them to learn various life skills, including how to pay taxes, sign contracts, and make smart financial decisions. Many athletes come from low-income families, or their parents do not teach them these essential skills. The rules of NIL open up financial possibilities that teach these young athletes important tasks useful not only for a career in sports but also for financial decisions made throughout all careers. 
Significant NIL deals are not only beneficial for athletes but also for schools. When athletes host events, they draw attention to the entire university, increasing interest in the college.
Female athletes participating in college athletics have also been beneficiaries. For example, in March Madness of 2023, Louisiana State’s star player Angel Reese gained over 650,000 followers on social media, which culminated in her signing deals with Amazon, Airbnb and PlayStation. 
Critics may argue that NIL distracts players from their academics. However, athletes can still balance their time to focus on both aspects. Former tenured Villanova Men’s Basketball Coach Jay Wright said, “I want players to still come to school to get their education and then want to benefit from NIL.”
Not only are athletes on the receiving end of this deal, but NIL has also contributed to the growth of businesses. Famous athletes who sign with a specific brand or company increase the potential for brand exposure. Supporters of athletes with deals will be curious and possibly purchase items from the brand, increasing their overall revenue.
Brands partnering with college athletes help the business align with the values and causes that the athlete supports. If athletes are passionate about social justice or gender equality, the brand will attract customers due to the deal between the athlete and the company.
Top-tier athletes like Shadeur Sanders, Bronny James, Livvy Dunne, Caleb Williams and Travis Hunter have all earned over two million dollars from their deals.
If they can be this successful at the college level, they are in good hands for when they continue their athletic careers. 

​