In 2019, college sports teams generated about $19 billion in revenue for their universities and the NCAA. Many athletic directors and coaches also earn millions of dollars in annual salaries and endorsements. However, even though most college athletes practice and train 12 months a year while attending school full time, the NCAA insists they are amateurs and ineligible to be compensated more than the scholarships they receive. Critics claim this convenient rule allows the exploitation of many young American men and women, saying other students attend universities on non-athletic scholarships and are not forced to physically work hard, risk serious injury or help make millions for their school and the NCAA. Financial stress causes many of these young athletes to drop out of school or leave early in an attempt to play in professional leagues. Most universities do not provide health insurance to scholarship athletes, and many revoke the scholarships of those who get injured or who do not perform as well as expected.

Compensation proponents say colleges should be allowed to give stipends, jobs and health insurance to these athletes. One study found the average cost to colleges for awarding a full scholarship to an athlete is about $3,200. It also found the fair market value of a football and basketball player at a Division-1 university was more than $120,000 and $265,000 respectively. These values more than tripled for athletes playing at top sports schools. Since athletic scholarships do not cover all student costs and most athletes do not have time for a job, at least 85% of all scholarship players live below the poverty line. Critics point out that athletes do not get paid royalties from the sale of their jerseys or for digital appearances in video games. Even after athletes have left college, the NCAA retains some of these licensing rights in perpetuity. Critics claim that everyone - including the NCAA, colleges, coaches, TV networks, advertisers, apparel and video game manufacturers make money off our “amateur” athletes - except the athletes themselves.

Proposed Legislation: H.R.3882 - Even Playing Field Act (116th congress)
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Jackie Speier (CA)