College Sports Finally Entered the Pay-the-Players Era
For years, college stars could generate millions for their programs without receiving direct pay from the school. In 2025, one of college sports’ oldest rules finally changed.
Athletes World
• College sports entered a new era in 2025, when participating Division I schools were allowed to begin paying athletes directly.
A college football star could fill a 100,000-seat stadium, sell jerseys and help attract millions in TV revenue. What his school couldn't do was simply pay him for being part of that business.
Even the NIL revolution didn't change that.
Starting in 2021, athletes could make money from endorsements, appearances and other uses of their name, image and likeness. But those deals were different from schools directly sharing athletic revenue with their players. (NCAA)
In 2025, that wall came down.
Even the NIL revolution didn't change that.
Starting in 2021, athletes could make money from endorsements, appearances and other uses of their name, image and likeness. But those deals were different from schools directly sharing athletic revenue with their players. (NCAA)
In 2025, that wall came down.
