Last week I reflected on how the NCAA would successfully integrate paying student-athletes, this week I will discuss the benefits in doing so.  Student-athletes commit to a school for a couple of reasons: 1. Financial aid package 2. Strength of the program and 3. the programs offered for degrees.

To first dive into this, I want to look at the financial package.  This is the assumption that student athletes will begin to be paid evenly, but also have their scholarship agreements to remain the same.  The benefit to doing this, is that when star athletes commit to a program, it will generate revenue for that school and program as well.  This will be done through ticket sales, merchandise, etc.  But also, this can often times attract other star student athletes who want to play alongside this person.  Knowing that with the agreement of having to play for the next 4 years at school, programs can turn into ‘dynasties’ if built correctly.

The second benefit that I see coming from this is that for each respective program, they can remain competitive for a long time.  By increasing competition amongst the conference and across the entire NCAA, it is bound to increase viewership, interest and support of that particular school.  When you are competitive in a college sport setting, it feels as though the entire campus is behind you, which is an unbelievable feeling to have.

Finally, the last benefit I look at and the most important in my eyes is that these student athletes being paid and sticking in school for the duration of their four years, they finish with a degree.  Something that is often very overlooked is that athletes finish their four years of competition, but some do not finish their degree.  According to the NCAA, 88% of student-athletes do graduate with degrees but this doesn’t account those who leave early to go professional.  Additionally, 12% is still an extreme number of students who are unable to finish their program.

By deciding to pay student-athletes, the trickle effect begins and this will allow for the betterment of the students moving forward.  When student-athletes feel comfortable, safe and taken care of in the institution they attend, it will also increase the betterment of the college or university program.

A video that looks into this and makes comedic irony of the NCAA is listed below: