Not a fan of NIL in it's current form. It is basically legalizing the under the table payments that have happened for years.
But I feel we are in an unregulated period and that will change. IMO one step would be transparency. NIL deals should be public info not only for the athlete but the people investing in the NIL funds. I would be curious how the tax laws will treat NIL- less from an athlete vs donor.
I am a believer that a college scholarship is compensation enough. Not sure the exact number for ISU student athletes, but my guess is Iowa State invests over $250,000 annually in training & educating all student-athletes. Coaching and facilities are part of that investment- so obviously the amount invested in football and basketball student athletes is higher than my $250,000 figure.
I understand the argument that the billions of revenue for football and basketball causes resentment by those athletes. But that revenue is used by ISU to provide scholarships and sport development training for all the other student athletes at ISU. I like the current model for that reason.
My issue is with the professional sports leagues. The NBA and NFL should have a tiered minor league similar to baseball. If kids are driven by wanting to make a salary and NIL $, there should be professional opportunities provide by the NBA and NFL. The Supreme Court has been clear about the NCAA. But what about the NBA & NFL rules restricting a players ability to earn based on age.
IMO college hoops and football would continue to thrive if the elite HS talents bypassed college and jumped immediately to pro ball. If that meant a defunding of college athletics by TV and sponsors- great. If it means reductions in budgets for coaches and athletic facilities - awesome.
NIL money is here to stay. I just think if elite athletes were given professional league opportunities, we would see college athlete NIL deals like intended. X player getting a car or cash for appearing in advertising for a dealership. Or $10,000 dollars for being a restaurants spokesperson, etc.
I would have no issue if a player chooses the NBA minor league path out of HS and fail- allowing them to come back, receive a scholarship and play college hoops up to maybe 24 years old.