College Athletes, College Basketball

Carmelo Anthony Calls for Structure: The Business of NIL Needs Contracts, Not Chaos

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

The world of college basketball has officially entered the business era. Athletes are signing endorsement deals, building personal brands, and earning significant income — all while still in school. But according to Carmelo Anthony, one of basketball’s most respected voices, this new age of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) is missing something essential: structure.

And from a business standpoint, he’s absolutely right.

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College Basketball: The Business Without a Business Model

NIL has changed everything. No longer are college athletes simply student-athletes — they are entrepreneurs, influencers, and sometimes, millionaires. But unlike the professional leagues, college sports haven’t yet built the infrastructure to support this shift.

Right now:

  • Every school and state has different NIL rules
  • Many NIL deals are handled by third parties without regulation
  • There’s no standard for contracts or accountability

This kind of chaos in any other industry would be considered bad business. And that’s exactly what Carmelo is pointing out.

What Carmelo Anthony Is Saying: Create a System That Works

Carmelo isn’t saying players shouldn’t get paid — he’s advocating for doing it the right way. In a recent conversation, he emphasized the importance of structure and professionalism in how NIL deals are executed. Here’s what that would look like:

1. Contracts With Clear Terms

Players should have signed agreements that define:

  • Compensation details
  • Expected deliverables (social media, appearances, etc.)
  • Duration and terms of the deal

2. Accountability on Both Sides

Players must follow through on commitments. Schools and brands must honor their deals. And if someone breaks the agreement, there should be consequences — just like in any business deal.

3. National Standards

The NCAA and other governing bodies must create a unified NIL system across all divisions, states, and conferences to level the playing field and avoid confusion.

The NCAA’s Role: Lead or Be Left Behind

Carmelo’s message is a challenge to the NCAA: Step up and lead. The NIL era isn’t going away — but it needs guardrails. Without a national framework, education programs for athletes, and proper oversight, the very foundation of college basketball could be shaken.

What’s needed now:

  • Unified regulations that apply across the board
  • Basic contract guidelines that protect all parties
  • Support systems that educate athletes on taxes, branding, and legal matters
  • Enforcement that holds both schools and players accountable

This Is About More Than Money

At the core of Carmelo Anthony’s message is the understanding that this moment in college sports history is about more than compensation. It’s about sustainability, professionalism, and preparing young athletes for the world they’re stepping into.

College basketball is no longer amateur. The money is real. The stakes are high. And the system needs to evolve — fast.

Because if college basketball is going to operate like a business, it’s time it starts acting like one.

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