If you were in charge, how would you divvy up $21M?

[Sheffielder]

In case you missed it, starting in Fall 2025, college athletic programs will be able to distribute up to $21 million (estimated) in a revenue-sharing model with their athletes.

For the purposes of this hypothetical question on a Friday when our answers don't matter, let's not get hung up on the actual dollar amount. Can work with percentages or vague guidelines as you please.

I'm just curious in broad terms how you would split this up.

Specifically for NU, I would prioritize creating stability and minimizing turnover within the program - get more $ in the hands of more players and have that be a marketable aspect of the program (versus others which will probably max out their money to star players and leave many players with nothing). I think this could go a long way to attracting good players who prioritize a traditional college experience (and an education, maybe?) over prima donnas chasing max paydays who will keep program-hopping.

I would offer some guaranteed money to players who start in their positions in at least 51% of games and guaranteed money for seniors on the team for at least four years.

After that I'd give a minimum amount to players who had any playing time, and I'd set aside bonuses for players who receive awards and recognition - All Conference, position awards, maybe even some internal distinctions as well (who gets the "1" jersey, for example).

I would also set aside a big chunk for bowl/playoff participation, to minimize the chances of players sitting out. If the program doesn't get any post-season anything, this doesn't get paid out. Might adjust this if it actually seemed like a negative against the program, but over time I bet this would be the trend - and when you see post-season games with a ton of players are sitting out, then it becomes a sign that you're program doesn't manage it's revenue sharing well.

I would hold my breath and hope some individual caps would be in place to eliminate the possibility of bidding wars, negotiation stalemates, and agent involvement.

 

[PURPLE Book Cat]

It is a good thing that NU is getting a healthy chunk of change from those B1G payouts.... at least it levels the playing field against ACC/Big12 schools. There still will be a big chunk due on a stadium loan though every year I presume.

 

[stpaulcat]

It is a good thing that NU is getting a healthy chunk of change from those B1G payouts.... at least it levels the playing field against ACC/Big12 schools. There still will be a big chunk due on a stadium loan though every year I presume.

First year will it go to payoff Fitz?

 

[NUCat320]

That money is positively Gragg’s. (Kidding!)


The whole thing is such a sea change, a whole new thing to consider.

I agree in a focus on retention, but freshmen get that base number. Base money goes up each year, and additional compensation is based on participation.

What a wild time to be alive. From penalties for cream cheese to true player payment, in a matter of a few years, with no in-between.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Here is a WAG for some of the main sports. I assume the total $21M needs to be split evenly between M and W sports. All players, scholarship are walk on, receive the same base pay. Incentives for team performance, and some rewards for personal recognition.

MEN'S SPORTS (8 teams, $10.5M budget)

Football (100 athletes, $5M budget)

• Base pay: $25,000 per player (schollie and walk-ons) - $2.5M total
• Production pay: If you play 25% of eligible snaps (ST counted separately), $10,000 each - estimated $400,000 total
• Team Performance pay: Bowl game appearance: $5,000 per player- $500,000 total
• Team Performance pay: Bowl game win: $1,000 per player - $100,000 total
• Individual Performance pay: AA: $50,000, All B1G 1st T = $10,000, 2nd team = $5,000, 3rd team = $2,500
• Coaches' decision: $1.5M - $1.9M pool for recruiting/NIL

Men's Hoops (15 athletes, $2M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $450,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $10,000 per player - $150,000 total
• Tourney win bonus: $5,000 per player - $75,000 total
• Conference Tourney Champion bonus: $10,000 per player ($20k, really with auto bid) - $150,000 total
• All Conference individual bonus: $10,000 per player
• Coaches' decision: ~$1.2 M for recruiting/NIL

M Baseball (40 man limit, $1.5M)

• Base pay: $20,000 per player - $800,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $5,000 per player: $200,000 total
• Conference Tourney win: $5,000 per player: $200,000 total
• Coaches decision - $300,000 - $700,000

This leaves $2.5M for the remaining sports of soccer, golf, swimming, tennis and wrestling

WOMEN'S SPORTS (13 teams, $10.5M budget)

W LAX (36 athletes, $2 M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $1,080,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $5,000 per player - $180,000 total
• Natl Championship bonus: $10,000 per player - $360,000 total
• Coaches' decision: ~$400,000 for recruiting

W Hoops (15 athletes, $2M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $450,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $10,000 per player - $150,000 total
• Tourney win bonus: $5,000 per player - $75,000 total
• Conference Tourney Champion bonus: $10,000 per player ($20k, really with auto bid) - $150,000 total
• All Conference individual bonus: $10,000
• Coaches' decision: ~$1.2M for recruiting/NIL

W Softball (20 athletes, $1.5M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $600,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $5,000 per player - $100,000 total
• Tourney win bonus: $5,000 per player - $100,000 total
• Conference Tourney Champion bonus: $10,000 per player ($20k, really with auto bid) - $200,000 total
• Coaches' decision: ~$500,000 for recruiting/NIL

W Volleyball (10 athletes, $500,000 budget)


The remaining $4.5M spread among soccer, cross-country, fencing, field hockey, swimming and tennis

 

[docrugby1]

I vote for reparations for old NU athletes forced to drive station wagons to games and got $5 per diem for meals

 

[wicker]

How to use the dough?
Spend every dime on football
Say supply-siders

Fitz is a class act.
Expects a lucrative share
Of twenty one mil

Now awash in cash
NW admins dream
Of bigger paydays

 

[phatcat]

Proportional to revenue generated

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Here is a WAG for some of the main sports. I assume the total $21M needs to be split evenly between M and W sports. All players, scholarship are walk on, receive the same base pay. Incentives for team performance, and some rewards for personal recognition.

MEN'S SPORTS (8 teams, $10.5M budget)

Football (100 athletes, $5M budget)

• Base pay: $25,000 per player (schollie and walk-ons) - $2.5M total
• Production pay: If you play 25% of eligible snaps (ST counted separately), $10,000 each - estimated $400,000 total
• Team Performance pay: Bowl game appearance: $5,000 per player- $500,000 total
• Team Performance pay: Bowl game win: $1,000 per player - $100,000 total
• Individual Performance pay: AA: $50,000, All B1G 1st T = $10,000, 2nd team = $5,000, 3rd team = $2,500
• Coaches' decision: $1.5M - $1.9M pool for recruiting/NIL

Men's Hoops (15 athletes, $2M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $450,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $10,000 per player - $150,000 total
• Tourney win bonus: $5,000 per player - $75,000 total
• Conference Tourney Champion bonus: $10,000 per player ($20k, really with auto bid) - $150,000 total
• All Conference individual bonus: $10,000 per player
• Coaches' decision: ~$1.2 M for recruiting/NIL

M Baseball (40 man limit, $1.5M)

• Base pay: $20,000 per player - $800,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $5,000 per player: $200,000 total
• Conference Tourney win: $5,000 per player: $200,000 total
• Coaches decision - $300,000 - $700,000

This leaves $2.5M for the remaining sports of soccer, golf, swimming, tennis and wrestling

WOMEN'S SPORTS (13 teams, $10.5M budget)

W LAX (36 athletes, $2 M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $1,080,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $5,000 per player - $180,000 total
• Natl Championship bonus: $10,000 per player - $360,000 total
• Coaches' decision: ~$400,000 for recruiting

W Hoops (15 athletes, $2M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $450,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $10,000 per player - $150,000 total
• Tourney win bonus: $5,000 per player - $75,000 total
• Conference Tourney Champion bonus: $10,000 per player ($20k, really with auto bid) - $150,000 total
• All Conference individual bonus: $10,000
• Coaches' decision: ~$1.2M for recruiting/NIL

W Softball (20 athletes, $1.5M budget)

• Base pay: $30,000 per player - $600,000 total
• Tourney Invite bonus: $5,000 per player - $100,000 total
• Tourney win bonus: $5,000 per player - $100,000 total
• Conference Tourney Champion bonus: $10,000 per player ($20k, really with auto bid) - $200,000 total
• Coaches' decision: ~$500,000 for recruiting/NIL

W Volleyball (10 athletes, $500,000 budget)


The remaining $4.5M spread among soccer, cross-country, fencing, field hockey, swimming and tennis

Why would you split this between Men and Women? iMO, The revenue sports ( the ones that actually bring in the money) will get a much higher percentage that you proposed.

You will need to be close to the market rate to compete. If we spend roughly 25% of our budget on Football and the rest of the B1G spends 50+ % on football, good luck. The last thing we want is starters going to West Virgina for twice as much pay. Conversely, we don’t need to spend half of what we spend on Football on Women’s LaCrosse. Despite being National Champions the market wouldn’t mandate “overpaying” way over what other schools are outplaying. They can still be at or near the highest paid players in the country.

I also think the payments will have higher “kickers” for performance. It will be like any other job where we’re the most valuable get the bigger bag. There will be a base, but there will be a much bigger differential between the AJ Henning’s of the world and a WR that never sees the field. I sure hope the higher payments trigger motivation. Paying players that are not contributing and in some cases may even be dogging it an amount close to starters makes no sense to me.

 

[CMcCat]

In case you missed it, starting in Fall 2025, college athletic programs will be able to distribute up to $21 million (estimated) in a revenue-sharing model with their athletes.

For the purposes of this hypothetical question on a Friday when our answers don't matter, let's not get hung up on the actual dollar amount. Can work with percentages or vague guidelines as you please.

I'm just curious in broad terms how you would split this up.

Specifically for NU, I would prioritize creating stability and minimizing turnover within the program - get more $ in the hands of more players and have that be a marketable aspect of the program (versus others which will probably max out their money to star players and leave many players with nothing). I think this could go a long way to attracting good players who prioritize a traditional college experience (and an education, maybe?) over prima donnas chasing max paydays who will keep program-hopping.

I would offer some guaranteed money to players who start in their positions in at least 51% of games and guaranteed money for seniors on the team for at least four years.

After that I'd give a minimum amount to players who had any playing time, and I'd set aside bonuses for players who receive awards and recognition - All Conference, position awards, maybe even some internal distinctions as well (who gets the "1" jersey, for example).

I would also set aside a big chunk for bowl/playoff participation, to minimize the chances of players sitting out. If the program doesn't get any post-season anything, this doesn't get paid out. Might adjust this if it actually seemed like a negative against the program, but over time I bet this would be the trend - and when you see post-season games with a ton of players are sitting out, then it becomes a sign that you're program doesn't manage it's revenue sharing well.

I would hold my breath and hope some individual caps would be in place to eliminate the possibility of bidding wars, negotiation stalemates, and agent involvement.

I received an Economics degree from Northwestern. You may judge its value based on the following proposal:

I would distribute the money in its entirety into a fund that makes it available during each NU home event in proportion to the paid attendance of such event in the prior year. For example, if the first non-conference football game last season represented 4% of total paid attendance at all NU home sporting events, then 4% of the total pot is available for that first game in the current season.

During each such competition, NU ticket holders would be given a special code which would give them access to an online “sports tipping” portal. During the competition, ticket holders would commit available dollars to players via real-time “sports tipping”. Dollars would be available for sports tipping throughout the competition with final payment determined at the conclusion of the competition based on the proportion of total “tips” received by each NU competitor.

Sports tips may be allotted by fans not only for althletic achievment during the competition but also for other accomplishments. Competitors may exchange sports tips they have received in prior competitions for messaging opportunities on video boards and in-game announcements that alert potential tippers to their academic achievements and other tip-worthy activities. Competitors may also distribute tips they have received during competition to teammates voluntarily.

A running Tip Total Tracker would be accessible online throughout the NU academic and athletic season, displaying a full list of top recipients with their tip totals.

This proposal matches revenues to expenses and introduces incentives to link pay to performance.

 

[Just Gary]

Create a point system for each sport. Points given for games played, contribution to team, time in voluntary activity, progress in training, grades, time in practice, time spent for travel, position in matches and tournaments for sports that have individual achievements, achievement for team (wins/losses/placement), and goals set by coaches. Each sport would receive a certain amount based on recommendation of athletic department approved by BOT before each year. So, if the department feels a need to allocate more money to certain revenue sports or to rewards sports for past achievements, it can. This would amount 50% of the overall budget.

The second 50% would be discretionary for retainment or obtainment of athletes. So to bring back Boo in his final year, this fund would be used. To match a transfer portal amount offered by other schools, this fund would allow. Maybe even for signing commitment.basically to make Northwestern competitive to programs of other B1G schools.

Any left over funds (for goals not met or players not retained/obtained) can be distributed as a stipend to all athletes at the end of spring quarter. For those who would not be returning the next year, the fund will be made available immediately at end of spring in June. For all players expected to return in fall, the funds would be made available when they register for fall classes in August.

There is a question about walk-ons or non-scholar athletes. I think the funds should also pertain to them. The difference would be that scholar athletes also get their scholarships paid for. These funds would not be used for scholarship increases.

 

[IGNORE2]

Why would you split this between Men and Women? iMO, The revenue sports ( the ones that actually bring in the money) will get a much higher percentage that you proposed.

You will need to be close to the market rate to compete. If we spend roughly 25% of our budget on Football and the rest of the B1G spends 50+ % on football, good luck. The last thing we want is starters going to West Virgina for twice as much pay. Conversely, we don’t need to spend half of what we spend on Football on Women’s LaCrosse. Despite being National Champions the market wouldn’t mandate “overpaying” way over what other schools are outplaying. They can still be at or near the highest paid players in the country.

I also think the payments will have higher “kickers” for performance. It will be like any other job where we’re the most valuable get the bigger bag. There will be a base, but there will be a much bigger differential between the AJ Henning’s of the world and a WR that never sees the field. I sure hope the higher payments trigger motivation. Paying players that are not contributing and in some cases may even be dogging it an amount close to starters makes no sense to me.

Since we are trending towards better MBB and it’s a smaller roster, I would put the lion share to MBB and commit to MBB. Let TruNU figure out FB.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

The allocated funds to individual players should be put into a trust for them payable on the condition of graduation at graduation. That is what we do for large sums of money that we recover in settlements for minors and the last thing you want to see is having minors being provided large amounts of discretionary income. That would hopefully be coupled with some money management classes to teach the students how to invest rather than squander their windfalls once they meet the conditions of the trust. This does not preclude some reasonable amounts being released for legitimate purposes during the trust period just like we allow court approved withdrawals from a minor's trust for such things as piano lessons, etc.

 

[eastbaycat99]

Before a penny is allocated, there are (based on my vast knowledge of a few articles) a number of issues that need to be clarified:

1) Final approval of the settlement and disposition of any appeals.
2) Clarification of applicability of Title IX to payment allocations. I imagine there will be complicated litigation around this.
3) Clarification of relationship of NIL collectives to payments under settlement. I imagine there will be litigation in multiple states around this.
4) Decision by Trustees and athletic department relative to how much of (for NU) the $21 million to allocate versus the total athletic budget, that is full, partial or no allocation.

Come back in three or four years after some of these issues are clear and then I’m all in on discussing how this will work for the various NU sports.

 

[FeralFelidae]

Why would you split this between Men and Women?

Inoculation against the inevitable Title IX lawsuits.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Why would you split this between Men and Women? iMO, The revenue sports ( the ones that actually bring in the money) will get a much higher percentage that you proposed.

You will need to be close to the market rate to compete. If we spend roughly 25% of our budget on Football and the rest of the B1G spends 50+ % on football, good luck. The last thing we want is starters going to West Virgina for twice as much pay. Conversely, we don’t need to spend half of what we spend on Football on Women’s LaCrosse. Despite being National Champions the market wouldn’t mandate “overpaying” way over what other schools are outplaying. They can still be at or near the highest paid players in the country.

I also think the payments will have higher “kickers” for performance. It will be like any other job where we’re the most valuable get the bigger bag. There will be a base, but there will be a much bigger differential between the AJ Henning’s of the world and a WR that never sees the field. I sure hope the higher payments trigger motivation. Paying players that are not contributing and in some cases may even be dogging it an amount close to starters makes no sense to me.

I don’t necessarily disagree about allocating more money to revenue sports. I think the bigger issue, as mentioned above, is title IX. The good news is that we have more women’s sports programs than men’s, so you can allocate relatively more toward football and basketball.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I received an Economics degree from Northwestern. You may judge its value based on the following proposal:

I would distribute the money in its entirety into a fund that makes it available during each NU home event in proportion to the paid attendance of such event in the prior year. For example, if the first non-conference football game last season represented 4% of total paid attendance at all NU home sporting events, then 4% of the total pot is available for that first game in the current season.

During each such competition, NU ticket holders would be given a special code which would give them access to an online “sports tipping” portal. During the competition, ticket holders would commit available dollars to players via real-time “sports tipping”. Dollars would be available for sports tipping throughout the competition with final payment determined at the conclusion of the competition based on the proportion of total “tips” received by each NU competitor.

Sports tips may be allotted by fans not only for althletic achievment during the competition but also for other accomplishments. Competitors may exchange sports tips they have received in prior competitions for messaging opportunities on video boards and in-game announcements that alert potential tippers to their academic achievements and other tip-worthy activities. Competitors may also distribute tips they have received during competition to teammates voluntarily.

A running Tip Total Tracker would be accessible online throughout the NU academic and athletic season, displaying a full list of top recipients with their tip totals.

This proposal matches revenues to expenses and introduces incentives to link pay to performance.

Attendance has some impact on revenue, but the real revenue driver is broadcast media rights.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

I don’t necessarily disagree about allocating more money to revenue sports. I think the bigger issue, as mentioned above, is title IX. The good news is that we have more women’s sports programs than men’s, so you can allocate relatively more toward football and basketball.

I think Title IX was all based on scholarship allocation and never on revenue allocation. Not paying up for “the sports that produce the funds” would just drive this to a complete employment model and they would circumvent the law all together .

 

[HailToPurple]

The allocated funds to individual players should be put into a trust for them payable on the condition of graduation at graduation. ...

That's a really interesting concept. It would probably mean a significant reduction in transfers before graduation and likely result in players staying loyal to the schools that gave them their start out of high school. A rare phenomenon these days.

And though unfortunately it still results in paying college players just like professional athletes, it does preserve some amount of integrity in the relationship.

 

[Just Gary]

That's a really interesting concept. It would probably mean a significant reduction in transfers before graduation and likely result in players staying loyal to the schools that gave them their start out of high school. A rare phenomenon these days.

And though unfortunately it still results in paying college players just like professional athletes, it does preserve some amount of integrity in the relationship.

I’m not sure you can make a demand like that on this money. You can’t use their name and then say you don’t any money unless you graduate except for this allowance. I think you can get kids to opt in to an investment fund, similar to a 401K, that defers some of their money with matching funds but that would be their option as adults.

 

[HailToPurple]

I’m not sure you can make a demand like that on this money. You can’t use their name and then say you don’t any money unless you graduate except for this allowance. I think you can get kids to opt in to an investment fund, similar to a 401K, that defers some of their money with matching funds but that would be their option as adults.

I wasn't really taking about the NIL issue. That's another story.

I was referring to the exorbitant salaries that are being proposed for college players.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

I wasn't really taking about the NIL issue. Thats's another story.

I was referring to the exorbitant salaries that are being proposed for college players.

Produce a lot of revenue and get paid a lot. The American way.

 

[HailToPurple]

Produce a lot of revenue and get paid a lot. The American way.

The amount of revenue is not going to change from what it is now just because a particular player is used. There is little, if any, direct relationship.

The revenue is primarily from TV advertisers and based much more on team competition than individual players.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

The amount of revenue is not going to change from what it is now just because a particular player is used. There is little, if any, direct relationship.

The revenue is primarily from TV advertisers and based much more on team competition than individual players.

Without players there is no team.

Without very good players there isn’t winning.

With consistent Losing there are no eyeballs for the product.

Without the eyeballs there is no TV revenue.

 

[HailToPurple]

Just to get some clarity, there is nothing in these changes I can see that will result in additional revenue. The schools will get exactly the same amount of money as they would have gotten without the change.

The only difference is now they can use that money to pay salaries to their college players, which they couldn't do legally before. Up to now the only way players could earn extra money was through NIL. Now the players will effectively be direct employees of the school. Paid, in essence, to play football. Just like the Pros.

 

[Katatonic]

I wasn't really taking about the NIL issue. That's another story.

I was referring to the exorbitant salaries that are being proposed for college players.

Just to get some clarity, there is nothing in these changes I can see that will result in additional revenue. The schools will get exactly the same amount of money as they would have gotten without the change.

The only difference is now they can use that money to pay salaries to their college players, which they couldn't do legally before. Up to now the only way players could earn extra money was through NIL. Now the players will effectively be direct employees of the school. Paid, in essence, to play football. Just like the Pros.

Getting 20-35% of the cut of revenue (factoring in some monies for all the other sports, it'll actually be a good bit below that) is hardly "exorbitant."

Would you much rather have more of the $$ go to ever escalating coaches salaries?

Which, actually are, exorbitant - including for assistants (there are now a no of assistant coaches making $2 million/yr).

CFB players have seen no increase in compensation despite going from an 8 to 10 to 12 game regular season schedule.

The stress and wear on a player's body is already immense with a 12 game schedule, but now with the expanded playoffs, there will be teams that potentially can play  17 games.

So much for caring about the student aspect, much less player health and well-being.

Of course, coaches and administrators will get bonuses (on top of their already exorbitant compensation) for reaching the conference championship and each round of the POs.

Do you really expect players to put their health on the line for crumbs when everyone else around them is getting richly rewarded (we're talking generational wealth, even for a coach of a lower end P4 conference program)?

 

[Just Gary]

Just to get some clarity, there is nothing in these changes I can see that will result in additional revenue. The schools will get exactly the same amount of money as they would have gotten without the change.

The only difference is now they can use that money to pay salaries to their college players, which they couldn't do legally before. Up to now the only way players could earn extra money was through NIL. Now the players will effectively be direct employees of the school. Paid, in essence, to play football. Just like the Pros.

Right, the revenue does not change and the school has to pay somewhere around $20million more to run the athletic department. So the school has a new expense with no additional revenue. Something will have to get cut, whether it is sports programs, capital expenses, or personnel or a combination of the three.

Also, I believe the settlement clearly states that the payment is for NIL and specifically stats away from the question of employment. I believe they would get a 1099 at the point instead of a W-2, but the school could make other arrangements.

 

[CatManTrue]

In case you missed it, starting in Fall 2025, college athletic programs will be able to distribute up to $21 million (estimated) in a revenue-sharing model with their athletes.

For the purposes of this hypothetical question on a Friday when our answers don't matter, let's not get hung up on the actual dollar amount. Can work with percentages or vague guidelines as you please.

I'm just curious in broad terms how you would split this up.

Specifically for NU, I would prioritize creating stability and minimizing turnover within the program - get more $ in the hands of more players and have that be a marketable aspect of the program (versus others which will probably max out their money to star players and leave many players with nothing). I think this could go a long way to attracting good players who prioritize a traditional college experience (and an education, maybe?) over prima donnas chasing max paydays who will keep program-hopping.

I would offer some guaranteed money to players who start in their positions in at least 51% of games and guaranteed money for seniors on the team for at least four years.

After that I'd give a minimum amount to players who had any playing time, and I'd set aside bonuses for players who receive awards and recognition - All Conference, position awards, maybe even some internal distinctions as well (who gets the "1" jersey, for example).

I would also set aside a big chunk for bowl/playoff participation, to minimize the chances of players sitting out. If the program doesn't get any post-season anything, this doesn't get paid out. Might adjust this if it actually seemed like a negative against the program, but over time I bet this would be the trend - and when you see post-season games with a ton of players are sitting out, then it becomes a sign that you're program doesn't manage it's revenue sharing well.

I would hold my breath and hope some individual caps would be in place to eliminate the possibility of bidding wars, negotiation stalemates, and agent involvement.

The OP’s question is so long winded, yet the answer is simple:

Give it all to the linemen. Offensive mostly, but ALSO the defensive linemen.

If you twist my arm… then I’m ok with Big Matt and other defensive oriented basketball players getting their cut too.

The fast players in football and the shooters in basketball get plenty of NIL moola as it is.

On this point, I PREDICT… even @gocatsgo2003, @MRCat95 , and @No Chores shall agree!

 

[Katatonic]

Right, the revenue does not change and the school has to pay somewhere around $20million more to run the athletic department. So the school has a new expense with no additional revenue. Something will have to get cut, whether it is sports programs, capital expenses, or personnel or a combination of the three.

While the majority of schools will see some belt tightening in their respective athletic depts., most of the schools in the P2 (those with a full share or close to it) will still see a net increase in revenue due to the new media rights deals kicking in and the additional $15.3 million or so from the extended PO format.

This is where the P2 leaves everyone else behind in the dust, pushing UNC to leave the ACC.

What the added expense will do is kill any chance of NU athletics adding any more varsity programs.

 

[HailToPurple]

Getting 20-35% of the cut of revenue (factoring in some monies for all the other sports, it'll actually be a good bit below that) is hardly "exorbitant."

Would you much rather have more of the $$ go to ever escalating coaches salaries?

Which, actually are, exorbitant - including for assistants (there are now a no of assistant coaches making $2 million/yr).

CFB players have seen no increase in compensation despite going from an 8 to 10 to 12 game regular season schedule.

The stress and wear on a player's body is already immense with a 12 game schedule, but now with the expanded playoffs, there will be teams that potentially can play  17 games.

So much for caring about the student aspect, much less player health and well-being.

Of course, coaches and administrators will get bonuses (on top of their already exorbitant compensation) for reaching the conference championship and each round of the POs.

Do you really expect players to put their health on the line for crumbs when everyone else around them is getting richly rewarded (we're talking generational wealth, even for a coach of a lower end P4 conference program).

So, if the issue here is the wear and tear on the young people's bodies the answer certainly is not to continue that practice and simply give them more money for their pain and suffering. The only reasonable solution to that problem is to cut down on the number games. Let's not conflate the two issues.

Nor is there is any reason for giving any of that money to the coaches or other university staff members. As you point out, those people are already getting paid handsomely as it is.

There are lots of good purposes that the money could be used for. Additional scholarships to needy students are just one example. To say it another way - just because the money comes into university from an athletic activity does not mean it has to spent for athletic purposes. The money is fungible at the university level.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Whatever the available numbers are, I would put a disproportionate amount into men’s basketball. Best bang for the buck and the best fit for our school. There would still be millions left for football, but I would invest aggressively in basketball.

 

[Katatonic]

^^ You well know that none of that is going to happen, esp the cutting back on games.

And athletic depts somehow almost always find a way for expenses to match up with revenue.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

So, if the issue here is the wear and tear on the young people's bodies the answer certainly is not to continue that practice and simply give them more money for their pain and suffering. The only reasonable solution to that problem is to cut down on the number games. Let's not conflate the two issues.

Nor is there is any reason for giving any of that money to the coaches or other university staff members. As you point out, those people are already getting paid handsomely as it is.

There are lots of good purposes that the money could be used for. Additional scholarships to needy students are just one example. To say it another way - just because the money comes into university from an athletic activity does not mean it has to spent for athletic purposes. The money is fungible at the university level.

I hate the fact we don’t fully fund the scholarship levels in all sports. We are at a competitive disadvantage in some sports.

 

[Just Gary]

I hate the fact we don’t fully fund the scholarship levels in all sports. We are at a competitive disadvantage in some sports.

I thought some of that is limits set by NCAA, like in baseball, or am I wrong in that?

I really want to see how the B1G decides to handle football
walk-ons. I don’t believe they will cut them out but would they just put a roster limit and get rid of the scholarship limit? The way it Is, a lot of universities can now cheat easily using NIL and now revenue shares to get past 85 by just paying premiums to walk-ons. I think the solution will incorporate revenue sharing without scholarship increases (or maybe to 95) because increasing male athletes on scholarship means increasing female as well and I’m not sure we will start new programs if we give 35 scholarships to football walk-ons.

Yes the elite players will get outside NIL, so this is more for the hard working players we don’t talk about much. Whatever our answer, we have to be consistent with the rest of the league. We can get into a competitive disadvantage if we try our own way. (Or maybe I just have no confidence in our University to make smart choices).

 

[gocatsgo2003]

That's a really interesting concept. It would probably mean a significant reduction in transfers before graduation and likely result in players staying loyal to the schools that gave them their start out of high school. A rare phenomenon these days.

And though unfortunately it still results in paying college players just like professional athletes, it does preserve some amount of integrity in the relationship.

Ricky Williams’ idea.

Former NFL Player Ricky Williams Believes NIL Money Should Go Into A Trust That's Available To Players After Graduating - AfroTech

Debates surrounding athletes securing name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have been circulating since the guidelines were updated. Now, former NFL player Ricky Williams has put in his own two cents. The most interesting shift in sports business according to Ricky Williams? NIL...

afrotech.com

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

So, if the issue here is the wear and tear on the young people's bodies the answer certainly is not to continue that practice and simply give them more money for their pain and suffering. The only reasonable solution to that problem is to cut down on the number games. Let's not conflate the two issues.

Nor is there is any reason for giving any of that money to the coaches or other university staff members. As you point out, those people are already getting paid handsomely as it is.

There are lots of good purposes that the money could be used for. Additional scholarships to needy students are just one example. To say it another way - just because the money comes into university from an athletic activity does not mean it has to spent for athletic purposes. The money is fungible at the university level.

Doesn’t NU currently have one of the biggest endowments in the world? Pretty sure some play less to go to NU than they would pay to go to NIU.

Maybe Schill can create a reserve fund to cover any future expenses required to hush up the next protesters that feel they feel they need to walk too far to class. Doesn’t matter what any of us think, because the settlement requires that the players (employees) get the payout.

 

[Hungry Jack]

The amount of revenue is not going to change from what it is now just because a particular player is used. There is little, if any, direct relationship.

The revenue is primarily from TV advertisers and based much more on team competition than individual players.

Uhh...you cannot have team competition without players. Granted, only ~25 guys start, but you need those rosters of 100 for practice, depth, development, etc.

The only real question is whether college teams go the route of pro sports, where superstars garner a disproportionate portion of the payroll. In the NFL, it's quarterbacks. In the NBA, it's guys who can score against any type of defense. In MLB, it's starting pitchers.

To your point, the conferences with the teams in the biggest media markets are the winners. The obvious winner is the B1G, with teams in markets like NYC, LA, Chicago, Philly, DC, Detroit, Minny. The SEC's recent expansion puts it into Houston and Dallas. Of course, these conferences also have teams of national stature. But the B1G cannot be a conference of Michigan, OSU, and USC. Nor can the SEC simply be Bama, Oklahoma and Georgia. You need enough quality teams to provide conference competition and fan interest.

 

[Gladeskat]

Getting 20-35% of the cut of revenue (factoring in some monies for all the other sports, it'll actually be a good bit below that) is hardly "exorbitant."

Would you much rather have more of the $$ go to ever escalating coaches salaries?

Which, actually are, exorbitant - including for assistants (there are now a no of assistant coaches making $2 million/yr).

CFB players have seen no increase in compensation despite going from an 8 to 10 to 12 game regular season schedule.

The stress and wear on a player's body is already immense with a 12 game schedule, but now with the expanded playoffs, there will be teams that potentially can play  17 games.

So much for caring about the student aspect, much less player health and well-being.

Of course, coaches and administrators will get bonuses (on top of their already exorbitant compensation) for reaching the conference championship and each round of the POs.

Do you really expect players to put their health on the line for crumbs when everyone else around them is getting richly rewarded (we're talking generational wealth, even for a coach of a lower end P4 conference program)?

Some will, simply for the love of playing the game. It's a lot of fun!

That said, having American Silver Eagles (ASE) or Northwestern's own bullion coins to dispense for accomplishments would be cool.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I have never understood people's complaints about the salaries of professional athletes. The giant pay packages seen in the major sports over the last 20-25 years or so are due to technology making broadcast sports MUCH more accessible to audiences all over the world. The compensation is a direct result of the increase in revenues from this (Fantasy and now gambling have certainly increased the breadth of pro sports audiences too).

If the athletes were not getting paid, the owners would be getting the entire pie. That would be much worse.

The whole notion that athletes don't deserve their compensation is absurd, IMO. As Bill Munny said, "deserve" has nothing to do with it.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

I thought some of that is limits set by NCAA, like in baseball, or am I wrong in that?

I really want to see how the B1G decides to handle football
walk-ons. I don’t believe they will cut them out but would they just put a roster limit and get rid of the scholarship limit? The way it Is, a lot of universities can now cheat easily using NIL and now revenue shares to get past 85 by just paying premiums to walk-ons. I think the solution will incorporate revenue sharing without scholarship increases (or maybe to 95) because increasing male athletes on scholarship means increasing female as well and I’m not sure we will start new programs if we give 35 scholarships to football walk-ons.

Yes the elite players will get outside NIL, so this is more for the hard working players we don’t talk about much. Whatever our answer, we have to be consistent with the rest of the league. We can get into a competitive disadvantage if we try our own way. (Or maybe I just have no confidence in our University to make smart choices).

Pretty sure the NCAA allows additional scholarships in baseball and men’s soccer that NU does not fund. Let’s say for arguments sake, the NCAA allows 11 scholarships, our coach can only allocate 6.