Ncaa Basketball, Pro Basketball, Sports and Athletics

College Basketball and the NIL Era: Time to Embrace Structure Before We Lose the Game

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

Let’s have a real conversation.

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals was a long-overdue step toward fairness in college athletics. For decades, athletes generated billions for their universities while receiving little more than tuition in return. Allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness was the right move.

But now, we’ve entered territory where chaos is replacing competition—and personal gain is overshadowing the love of the game.

NIL ERA

The Professional Reality of College Basketball
Let’s be honest: college basketball is no longer amateur sports. It’s become professional in everything but name—especially when you consider the numbers.

  • Role players are demanding $500,000–$600,000.
  • Star players are raking in $3–$4 million.
  • NIL collectives and donors are funding deals with no strings attached.

No contracts.
No performance clauses.
No buyout terms.
No accountability.

That’s not just unfair—it’s unsustainable.

Where’s the Structure?
In professional sports, players earn money—but they also sign contracts. They have clear expectations, and if they don’t meet them, teams have the right to make changes. That’s how balance is maintained.

But in today’s NIL system, we’ve skipped the part where accountability enters the picture. Instead, we have a generation of players driven more by what’s in the bank than what’s on the scoreboard.

And that’s a dangerous precedent.

What We’re Losing
College basketball has always been about more than talent—it’s been about tradition, competition, and school pride. When money becomes the main motivator, the spirit of the game suffers.

  • Passion is fading.
  • Rivalries are losing juice.
  • Fans are growing disconnected.

We’re losing the love of the game—for money.

A Call for Contracts, Buyouts & Boundaries
This isn’t a call to end NIL. Athletes should get paid. But they should also be held accountable, just like professionals.

We need:

  • Contracts with clear expectations
  • Buyout terms for early exits
  • Termination clauses for underperformance or breach
  • Transparency between donors, collectives, and institutions

No civil society can function without law, and no sports ecosystem can thrive without structure.

Conclusion: Let’s Protect the Game
This is a pivotal moment. If we don’t create structure in this NIL landscape, we won’t recognize college basketball in a few years.

Let’s evolve with the times—but let’s not lose what makes the game special.

Because without structure, even the most beautiful game can collapse.

Leave a comment