Since July 2025, universities have been allowed to pay their athletes for their performance. Prior to this, players could only earn money through third party endorsements, such as sponsorships by brands. College athletes train heavily and deserve to be paid for their performance, but we are starting to see salaries almost as high as athletes competing in professional leagues. Because of this, many players are opting to take additional years at the college levels to maintain their salaries.
Before salaries were introduced to college athletes, many were eager to start their professional careers. Becoming a professional athlete is the goal for top college players, and having a successful, impressive career during school often led them to achieving this goal. This remains the goal, of course, for these players, but having a salary while in college changes the path some of these athletes choose to take.
Shifting from the college level to a professional position is always a risk, as some players may find themselves either undrafted or in a low-paying contract. Some players realize that taking another year or two playing at the college level will not only improve their skills, but offer financial security as well. Rather than accepting a low salary in exchange for that professional title, we are seeing many college players remain where they are primarily because of the money.
Is this creating a problem for both colleges and professional leagues? This keeps the transfer portals for universities full, as athletes who choose to take another year may try to find another college to play for. It also makes for less spots on rosters for those leaving high school or pre-college leagues. For the professional teams, the high salaries provided for college students could keep high-value players off of their rosters and keep them at the collegiate level.
Even though college athletes playing at the top of their game deserve to be paid and earn money for their performance, there could be a major shift in college sports. The passion of the game could be overlooked by the pay, and the dreams of going professional could become less of a goal for some of these athletes.
