Pay for Play: Compensating Student-Athletes

Abstract

Over a century ago, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was established. In recent years, the popularity of intercollegiate athletics reached an all-time high, making the NCAA and universities million dollar industries. The topic of compensating college athletes above athletic scholarships has become relevant. The NCAA, universities, and other third parties receive million dollar salaries, yet the athletes responsible for generating revenue get nothing in return. College athletes are being exploited, while the NCAA and universities continue to reap the monetary benefits. Athletic scholarships cover tuition, room, board, and additional fees, however it is not enough. The sports culture has changed since the NCAA was founded, thus the NCAA’s rules on compensation needs modification. There is a dire need for reform, sooner rather than later.