It is time for the NCAA to humble themselves

The college sports industry generates more than $11 billion in annual revenues as a result of ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and broadcast rights. The Big Ten, Southeastern, Pac 12, and other conferences have their own independent television networks which generate millions of dollars in revenue annually.

The President of the NCAA, Mark Emmert has earned around $2 million each year since 2011. Head football coaches at major D1 programs also earn roughly $2 million per year. In 40 of 50 states, the state university’s head basketball or football coach is the highest paid public employee.

Despite these figures, the NCAA continues to deny the sharing of revenues with student-athletes. These athletes put in 40-hour work weeks through grueling practices, games, and travel. Athletes are the main reason the revenue comes in.

Arguments to pay these student-athletes have largely been centered around male football and basketball players, and it is important that these players begin to earn a salary. With all of the time they spend within their respective sport, their education takes a hit because of it. Just because an individual receives their diploma debt free, doesn’t guarantee them a job in the workforce while competing with others who are more intelligent and prepared.

Colleges may argue that the revenue is there due to the coach’s effective jobs of recruiting top talent. However, the players are who fans spend money to see, not university or NCAA officials.

If the revenue is taken out of the picture and only compensation for their efforts are considered, then all college athletes should be paid proportional to the time they put into the game.

Obviously, this raises multiple questions, such as the number of viewers tuning into each sport. With over nine times the amount of viewers tuning into the 2017 NCAA Division I championship game compared to the women's championship, the men clearly are generating more revenue. However, there is no doubt women can and do put in just as much work and effort into their games and season.

It is unlikely the revenue sharing ever spreads to other extracurriculars. But with all the money that goes into sports, paying athletes who put in a significant amount of time to benefit the universities should be seriously considered by college athletic departments and the NCAA.