NIL and the average fan

[Caveman Catfan]

Look, we have known for years that dudes who own car dealerships and have made huge money off of oil or coal or some other industry may want to slip money to recruits and players to entice them to come to a certain school (a handful of small fries do this too to feel big). We know that fake jobs were created to surreptitiously play athletes. We know that.

We also know the NCAA outlawed such things and that some schools (fans) were damaged when the “wrongdoers” got caught breaking the rules.

Then, the Supreme Court suggests that the NCAA might have a problem by not paying players. Heck, college football is raining cash down on big schools by the Brinks truck and players only receive room, board, a small stipend, and a measly edumacation.

The NCAA panics. Does it want to share its cash cow with the athletes who are making it rich?

Hell no!!

How about pretend the old harsh rules no longer exist and pass that buck to the fans in the form of fake NIL?

This way, the NCAA can continue to take in the profits and can look at the fans and blame them if there isn’t enough payola. Your team cannot afford that top rated QB? Your fault fans! Not the fault of Fort Knox … er, the NCAA.

Coaches make millions. NCAA makes billions. Athletic budgets may take a little hit. But, the fan carries the huge extra weight.

Want to hate the NCAA? Seems like at least one reason exists for that sentiment.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

I'll never pay a penny for NIL. Not my responsibility to pay for young adults to play a game.

NCAA is definitely a joke and college sports have died with the transfer portal and NIL. It's semi pro sports with mercenaries now.

I'll still watch it though because ultimately nothing I can do about it.

 

[YardCat]

I don’t know if we had unlimited money that we could win a football championship. We would have to beat all the teams and officials every game, and could Stoops coach that team? We know Texas AM said that he couldn’t.

 

[The-Hack]

The NCAA panics. Does it want to share its cash cow with the athletes who are making it rich?

Hell no!!

. . . .

This way, the NCAA can continue to take in the profits and can look at the fans and blame them if there isn’t enough payola. Your team cannot afford that top rated QB? Your fault fans! Not the fault of Fort Knox … er, the NCAA.

Coaches make millions. NCAA makes billions. Athletic budgets may take a little hit. But, the fan carries the huge extra weight.

Want to hate the NCAA? Seems like at least one reason exists for that sentiment.

The terms we use to describe the system are slippery. If by “NCAA,” you mean the member schools, yes, BILLIONS have been made. Technically, the NCAA only has had one cash cow since 1938: the NCAA basketball tourney that has typically produced over 95% of the organization’s revenue.

I’ve read several press reports about the House anti-trust litigation . . . just enough to be semi-knowledgeable about it.

It appears that the networks and schools, the real profit makers, caved pretty easily and agreed to pay lots of money to current and former athletes back to 2019 (Statute of Limitations??), and in the future schools are going to profit share, beginning I think in 2025.

I have read that the schools will pay 20%, of gross revenue to athletes.

If the numbers of the press reports are correct, top 20 revenue schools like Kentucky will thence be in the range of 30/40 million a year for athletes. I have no idea how this will be distributed, but given that market forces are being recognized and respected, Title IX might not be an issue, as this isn’t a division of tax/public money.

Of course, the big Texas schools are over 200 million gross revenue, so this likely won’t be a completely level field. Kentucky is at $150 million, roughly.

And ultimately, although not NIL, we fans are going to pay for this. This will just amp up the money-making arms race. UK employees were combing the little staked-out tent locations in the FB parking areas, so that they can charge for them next year.

Kentucky needs to fully monetize it’s basketball draw. On-campus arenas have been pretty “break even,” such as the Dean Dome. BUUUUT, if your school can stomach not naming the on-campus area for a Rupp or a Dean, and can get a huge corporate sponsorship, this would likely be a source of millions for UK. We would have to allow our basketball team to play in “The Big Ass Fan Arena,” or something like it, but someone might kick in 5/10 million annually to have naming rights of college basketball’s winningest program. As I understand, the current JMI deal does not include naming rights, should an on-campus basketball arena be constructed.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

The NCAA is certainly the organization of its parts with the dividends going to its shareholders, mainly the schools.

 

[HeismaNole]

I'll never pay a penny for NIL. Not my responsibility to pay for young adults to play a game.

NCAA is definitely a joke and college sports have died with the transfer portal and NIL. It's semi pro sports with mercenaries now.

I'll still watch it though because ultimately nothing I can do about it.

I think it’s absurd to ask fans to pay so some kid will play for our favorite team. It’s already hard enough to survive as it is and to even take a family to a single game let alone blow money on this.

Personally, I don’t even understand how sustainable this whole thing is even with the wealthy donors because what do they get out of this? It was one thing to pay a few guys but now you’re asking them to fund payrolls and all they get is a suite and to see their favorite team win? Wealthy ppl don’t like giving their money away without a return.

I tried to book two of the freshmen basketball players to come do a meet and greet at my work and they wanted $10K each. I had a former NFL QB and a final four MOP do an event and not come close to even wanting anything remotely like that.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Letter adds new wrinkle to $2.8B NCAA settlement

Three athletes are calling for major changes beyond those in the pending $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement, including enabling college athletes to bargain collectively.

www.espn.com

 

[HeismaNole]

While we are at, can we please stop pretending these guys were real students with real grades and degrees? Make them employees and cut the BS.

 

[Deeeefense]

That's an interesting conspiracy theory but I don't think that's what happened.
NIL came about became the SCOTUS determined in a case that citizens (including football and BB players) own their name, image and likeness, which is their property and they have a Constitutional right to sell it if they wish. The decision of courses was immediately abused by the creation of "collectives" which were nothing more than a back channel way of boosters paying players.
Then came the Congressional legislation that mandated revenue sharing which will be coming in maybe as soon as next year.
Schools opposed this because it brings the institution on step closer to becoming for profit entities and losing their non profit status,
not that they were necessarily opposed to paying players. The payroll will be $22 Mil.

Now you have a system that is become similar to professional sports except with much younger players some of whom seem to have a heard time excelling and doing the things necessary to succeed, with the distraction of a 6 or 7 figure bank account and away from home for the first time.

 

[SkyPrince1]

I think it’s absurd to ask fans to pay so some kid will play for our favorite team. It’s already hard enough to survive as it is and to even take a family to a single game let alone blow money on this.

Personally, I don’t even understand how sustainable this whole thing is even with the wealthy donors because what do they get out of this? It was one thing to pay a few guys but now you’re asking them to fund payrolls and all they get is a suite and to see their favorite team win? Wealthy ppl don’t like giving their money away without a return.

I tried to book two of the freshmen basketball players to come do a meet and greet at my work and they wanted $10K each. I had a former NFL QB and a final four MOP do an event and not come close to even wanting anything remotely like that.

Glad you didn't pay, that's a ridiculous amount.
Also not like you were getting an appearance from a frosh Wall, Cousins, or Davis.
No working class person should ever give a dime to NIL.
Buy gear when you need/want it.
Buy tickets when you want to see a game but that's it.
Let the University, corporations, or wealthy boosters who have a child like obsession with the program fund the team.
I say obsessive boosters because like you said level headed wealthy people don't like throwing their money away on something they don't get a return on.

 

[cole854]

The OP is pretty much spot on, and you also have to throw in the big money "funding" that schools ask for, such as the K Fund. There are also mom and pop NIL charities coming out of the woodwork trying to get in your pockets, just so they can rub elbows w/ the upper brass and top players at the schools. It all stinks, especially when the clown show coach whines about talent and not being able to pay the top players.

 

[Tskware]

While we are at, can we please stop pretending these guys were real students with real grades and degrees? Make them employees and cut the BS.

Or pretending these one year portal wonders give a damn about UK, the fans of even the coaches, just stopping by for some cash

 

[ukalum1988]

And ultimately, although not NIL, we fans are going to pay for this. This will just amp up the money-making arms race. UK employees were combing the little staked-out tent locations in the FB parking areas, so that they can charge for them next year.

Excellent post. Frankly I'm surprised that UK hasn't figured out a way to monetize these tent-frame tailgate locations. I'm part of a tailgate group in the Orange Lot where some other guys have staked out their tent frames in early August each pre-season.

Notwithstanding dampened enthusiasm caused by the disappointing 2024 season and lowered expectations for 2025, I fully expect UK to capture some additional revenue by effectively licensing tent-frame tailgating spots.

College sports just gets better all the time, doesn't it?

 

[The-Hack]

I say obsessive boosters because like you said level headed wealthy people don't like throwing their money away on something they don't get a return on.

I’m an obsessive middle class guy, but drink ONLY Kentucky Blue Lite beer.

Working class folk can hit small licks by the tens of thousands to accumulate to a significant amount.

And I buy lottery tickets. If I ever hit the big one, we will have a University our Football Program can be proud of!!

 

[The-Hack]

Yeah, it has changed a lot, but I’m not driving to Cincinnati or Nashville to watch my team lose when I can drive to Lexington and see the same.

And I think one positive will come from revenue-sharing: Coaches contracts will take at least a modest hit when schools are spending 20%/20 million, or whatever it shakes out to.

 

[Tskware]

Yeah, it has changed a lot, but I’m not driving to Cincinnati or Nashville to watch my team lose when I can drive to Lexington and see the same.

And I think one positive will come from revenue-sharing: Coaches contracts will take at least a modest hit when schools are spending 20%/20 million, or whatever it shakes out to.

Personally, I think it would do Stoops some good to offer to renegotiate his contract same as Gundy. He once said he would be willing to contribute to NIL, but he wasn't allowed to. Well now he can put his money where his mouth is and have 4 or 5 million to pony up to NIL and get better players.

 

[Kybluedude]

I love the Cats but it’s too much.

Will buy the nil beer and bourbon plus gear. I gave up my s football tickets and split s bball txs 3 ways for now.

Turned toward High School sports. Luckily my school is good in all sports and close by. Really enjoying it. Was in the finals in baseball and just won a football title. Truly enjoying the games which are much shorter in length and easier to get in and out. Couple restaurants close by.

I’d advise you all to try and see a local HS game. Fun. And they need the support.

 

[vhcat70]

nm

 

[vhcat70]

Personally, I think it would do Stoops some good to offer to renegotiate his contract same as Gundy. He once said he would be willing to contribute to NIL, but he wasn't allowed to. Well now he can put his money where his mouth is and have 4 or 5 million to pony up to NIL and get better players.

^ That would imply he cares more about his UK team than himself.

 

[K_TIME]

I'll never pay a penny for NIL. Not my responsibility to pay for young adults to play a game.

NCAA is definitely a joke and college sports have died with the transfer portal and NIL. It's semi pro sports with mercenaries now.

I'll still watch it though because ultimately nothing I can do about it.

They just need to act like NFL teams do for NFL fans.

1. You want to go to games......ticket prices are what they are.
2. You want to watch all the games....you can pay extra for NFL ticket packages to see all the game....and now on NBC, FOX, CBS, Prime and ESPN....so you have to pay for all those platforms
3. You want merch....get ready to pay 75 bucks for hoodies, 200 for jersies, etc
4. YOu want back door access to the team on home games....you simply pay for it

I know of no NFL fan that pays 25 bucks a month for Dallas to pay Micah Parsons salary, Ravens fan to pay for Lamar's contract. This nickel and dime crap will get old and rich boosters will do what they do and back to the way it was.

College might just try to do the NFL revenue model and NCAA needs to alter rules to accomodate.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

That's an interesting conspiracy theory but I don't think that's what happened.
NIL came about became the SCOTUS determined in a case that citizens (including football and BB players) own their name, image and likeness, which is their property and they have a Constitutional right to sell it if they wish. The decision of courses was immediately abused by the creation of "collectives" which were nothing more than a back channel way of boosters paying players.
Then came the Congressional legislation that mandated revenue sharing which will be coming in maybe as soon as next year.
Schools opposed this because it brings the institution on step closer to becoming for profit entities and losing their non profit status,
not that they were necessarily opposed to paying players. The payroll will be $22 Mil.

Now you have a system that is become similar to professional sports except with much younger players some of whom seem to have a heard time excelling and doing the things necessary to succeed, with the distraction of a 6 or 7 figure bank account and away from home for the first time.

Not sure it is a conspiracy theory. The Supreme Court has placed wages on the NCAA’s plates and the NCAA has been fighting that for a while now, trying to find a work-around.

Collectives are not NIL and this is not lost on anyone, including the NCAA. It is pay for play that relieves the schools from a monetary investment, placing the burden on the fans. I bantered the idea of “collectives” on this board well before collectives existed. The NCAA permitted that to happen, even though it has nothing to do with NIL. What the NCAA has dodged is any real leadership in resolving the issue. Rather, it has acted as if Congress should create an answer. In the meanwhile, it has been fine with player payments coming from the fans (and some true NIL), rather than directly from the schools’ profits.

 

[ukalum1988]

Personally, I think it would do Stoops some good to offer to renegotiate his contract same as Gundy. He once said he would be willing to contribute to NIL, but he wasn't allowed to. Well now he can put his money where his mouth is and have 4 or 5 million to pony up to NIL and get better players.

This time next year, this will be his play to avoid being fired after he (likely) finishes with a 6-6 season or worse…… and MB will accommodate him thanks to his onerous contract.

 

[dvillecatfan]

I think it’s absurd to ask fans to pay so some kid will play for our favorite team. It’s already hard enough to survive as it is and to even take a family to a single game let alone blow money on this.

Yes

No working class person should ever give a dime to NIL.
Buy gear when you need/want it.
Buy tickets when you want to see a game but that's it.

 Yes

 

[The-Hack]

Well now he can put his money where his mouth is and have 4 or 5 million to pony up to NIL and get better players.

If he renegotiated, and dropped his income by 4-5 million, that money would be retained by UK and cannot go to NIL from the University.

Now it could help offset profit-sharing . . . .

 

[Tskware]

If he renegotiated, and dropped his income by 4-5 million, that money would be retained by UK and cannot go to NIL from the University.

Now it could help offset profit-sharing . . . .

Well, what did Ok State do?

 

[JDHoss]

I love the Cats but it’s too much.

Will buy the nil beer and bourbon plus gear. I gave up my s football tickets and split s bball txs 3 ways for now.

Turned toward High School sports. Luckily my school is good in all sports and close by. Really enjoying it. Was in the finals in baseball and just won a football title. Truly enjoying the games which are much shorter in length and easier to get in and out. Couple restaurants close by.

I’d advise you all to try and see a local HS game. Fun. And they need the support.

Absodamnloutely. We attended 29 high school games this year, ranging from Vero Beach to Miami and over to Venice. Three of the teams that we saw are playing for state titles this weekend. We'll go out (mostly on Thursday and Friday nights, but sometimes on Monday or Saturday as well) and hit up a good, locally owned mom-n-pop restaurant, then head to our destination. We saw our first Muck Bowl in Belle Glade this year as well. Great game and atmosphere, although I think next year we're going to get there early to partake in the massive amount of tailgating going on. They had a bunch of food trucks there that smelled amazing. High school football is a nice evening of entertainment that won't break the bank and won't stress you out trying to get in and out of the stadium, although the rush hour traffic in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties can be a white knuckle ride sometimes.

 

[bluecoon1]

Absodamnloutely. We attended 29 high school games this year, ranging from Vero Beach to Miami and over to Venice. Three of the teams that we saw are playing for state titles this weekend. We'll go out (mostly on Thursday and Friday nights, but sometimes on Monday or Saturday as well) and hit up a good, locally owned mom-n-pop restaurant, then head to our destination. We saw our first Muck Bowl in Belle Glade this year as well. Great game and atmosphere, although I think next year we're going to get there early to partake in the massive amount of tailgating going on. They had a bunch of food trucks there that smelled amazing. High school football is a nice evening of entertainment that won't break the bank and won't stress you out trying to get in and out of the stadium, although the rush hour traffic in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties can be a white knuckle ride sometimes.

If I’m thinking correctly, aren’t you originally from up in SWVA? Maybe a Powell Valley fan?

 

[JDHoss]

If I’m thinking correctly, aren’t you originally from up in SWVA? Maybe a Powell Valley fan?

You are correct, sir. Been to games all over the state of Virginia, as well as 8 other southern states and approaching 400 different schools watched.

 

[The-Hack]

Well, what did Ok State do?

Saved money for Oklahoma State U.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Just think if the NFL stopped paying its players and required the community to fund the salaries of its players.

 

[CatPatrick13]

I have given to UK's NIL groups for a couple of years now. (The 15 Club, and 2 Charitable ones, and most recently, Club Blue.) Debating myself on whether I may skip the 2025 football gig if possible.

 

[SkyPrince1]

Just think if the NFL stopped paying its players and required the community to fund the salaries of its players.

I've often wondered what would happen if teams like the Cowboys tried to establish collectives to work around the salary cap.
There's definitely a recruiting angle to luring unrestricted free agents to a team.
What if a collective could throw another 3mil a year at a player and it wouldn't count against the cap?

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Yeah, it has changed a lot, but I’m not driving to Cincinnati or Nashville to watch my team lose when I can drive to Lexington and see the same.

And I think one positive will come from revenue-sharing: Coaches contracts will take at least a modest hit when schools are spending 20%/20 million, or whatever it shakes out to.

Im not paying a dime besides drinking a certain beer etc (and only if thats palatable).

Coaches and ad offices should lead the way. Rich people next. That should leave nothing to do for the rest of us. Of course that isnt happening at least not at uk. Rock Oliver is still in his cushy do nothing job and hes just one guy. No telling how many like him are littered about.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

I've often wondered what would happen if teams like the Cowboys tried to establish collectives to work around the salary cap.
There's definitely a recruiting angle to luring unrestricted free agents to a team.
What if a collective could throw another 3mil a year at a player and it wouldn't count against the cap?

We discussed this issue on the board about 2 years ago. Some said it would violate NFL agreements. But if a collective hired a player to make appearances, it would seem they could supplement income.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Im not paying a dime besides drinking a certain beer etc (and only if thats palatable).

Coaches and ad offices should lead the way. Rich people next. That should leave nothing to do for the rest of us. Of course that isnt happening at least not at uk. Rock Oliver is still in his cushy do nothing job and hes just one guy. No telling how many like him are littered about.

Is the beer any good?

 

[K_TIME]

I've often wondered what would happen if teams like the Cowboys tried to establish collectives to work around the salary cap.
There's definitely a recruiting angle to luring unrestricted free agents to a team.
What if a collective could throw another 3mil a year at a player and it wouldn't count against the cap?

Well in that case the free market for Dallas has always worked to player advantage

Tony Romo…a solid but not elite qb…..gets too paid tv announcer

Dak Prescott is all over commercials compared to other qb that are better

So all in all…it sort of works out like a NIL thing..//dallas players tend to get more gigs off field compared to like players from titans, Vikings, lions etc

 

[Caveman Catfan]

The NCAA should pay college football players and let there be true NIL. Get rid of the pay-to-play collectives.

 

[HeismaNole]

The cheapest ticket to the Arkansas game in Upper Arena is $375 EACH as of yesterday. WTH?

 

[satcheluk]

Letter adds new wrinkle to $2.8B NCAA settlement

Three athletes are calling for major changes beyond those in the pending $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement, including enabling college athletes to bargain collectively.

www.espn.com

This is our biggest hope. If they can collectively bargain then teams can offer bonding contracts and stability and continuity will revert to mean.

 

[gamalielkid]

Look, we have known for years that dudes who own car dealerships and have made huge money off of oil or coal or some other industry may want to slip money to recruits and players to entice them to come to a certain school (a handful of small fries do this too to feel big). We know that fake jobs were created to surreptitiously play athletes. We know that.

We also know the NCAA outlawed such things and that some schools (fans) were damaged when the “wrongdoers” got caught breaking the rules.

Then, the Supreme Court suggests that the NCAA might have a problem by not paying players. Heck, college football is raining cash down on big schools by the Brinks truck and players only receive room, board, a small stipend, and a measly edumacation.

The NCAA panics. Does it want to share its cash cow with the athletes who are making it rich?

Hell no!!

How about pretend the old harsh rules no longer exist and pass that buck to the fans in the form of fake NIL?

This way, the NCAA can continue to take in the profits and can look at the fans and blame them if there isn’t enough payola. Your team cannot afford that top rated QB? Your fault fans! Not the fault of Fort Knox … er, the NCAA.

Coaches make millions. NCAA makes billions. Athletic budgets may take a little hit. But, the fan carries the huge extra weight.

Want to hate the NCAA? Seems like at least one reason exists for that sentiment.

As many of us have said - college sports that we grew up with is now dead. Just read where Jim Larranga at Miami quit coaching college basketball because of NIL. He mentioned that is was just to stressful when an agent of a college player says to him "for 1.1 million dollars you might get a chance to talk to this player". I, personally, just can't get into this. I actually quit watching UK basketball about 5 years ago - was a die hard fan, spent several freezing cold days laying on the concrete one time in front of Memorial Coliseum to get tickets to a mid east regional - thats the kind of fan I WAS. I had season tickets to Rupp for 20 years - but let them go a few years before Tubby left - when fast paced basketball left UK - it just got to boring for me and it wasn't Kentucky basketball I grew up loving.

I got into college football after becoming a student at UK - it became my biggest entertainment venue and I looked forward to it every year - hoping this would be the year we would make a bowl, then a Warm weather bowl and then hoping for a NY6 Bowl. I have never got to see the last one. But it was fun then - it wasn't professional, you got to know the name of the players and many of them got to know me - just from being at the walkways and seeing them game after game for their entire careers. Now, it will be truly be, you don't know the players without a scorecard! Then when you finally learn a name - he will be playing against you the next season. If I wanted to watch professional football I would go to those games! I have turned down professional game tickets many times over my lifetime - I just have no interest. College Football WAS different!

What has made college football so great? Well sure the game - but what has made the game is the before the game experience. The tailgaiting, seeing college friends again, watching the band march to the stadium, the student section getting rowdy, the opposing teams band, the cheerleaders, the true college game day experience. Now, I will become a TV fan. I will watch the game and be excited when we win I'm sure. But if we lose - it will not be a long tiring drive home. It will be lets go have a nice meal and be with some friends from my new home.

I have driven 850 miles each way several times a year to watch the cats the last 10 years or so. But this NIL has taken the fun and excitement out of UK football for me. I am not going to spend so much money and the valuable time I have left on this earth to go watch guys paid millions of dollars win 4 games. If I was an Alabama fan or Tennessee fan and I had hopes of making the playoffs I might feel differently - but I also realize that UK is not committed to winning in football. It was so obvious for years and then we had some hope. We got a hard nosed football guy - but a guy who doesn't have the ability to get us to a NYC bowl in reality. UK isn't like the other schools in the conference - some can say that is a good thing - we have "character". But the other side of that is we will never win as we don't have the money now and we will not step to the plate and get a championship caliber coach anyway. I will watch the big games - and I will try to make homecoming to see old friends - but my falls are going to be spent doing something else now. It will be taking cruises I have passed on because of football date conflicts, it will be taking a motorhome trip to the rocky mountains and doing the entire West coast highway. It will be seeing the Balloon Festival in New Mexico, it will be visiting Washington, D.C. and touring our national monuments. I don't know exactly what I will do - but it will not be driving for days several times to watch college football again.

Go Big Blue! My sign off phrase - unfortunately is not nearly as meaningful as it once was.