Since the beginning of athletics, there has been a definite line between college sports being amateur and professional sports. However, in recent times, this line is fading. The credibility of collegiate athletics is suffering due to the newly implemented rule allowing players to receive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money. Putting an end to players receiving humongous amounts of NIL money will ensure college sports stay amateur. 

Bob Bozzuto, president of the PSADA, presents his opinion on the issues of NIL money “Because you're going to change the definition of amateur big time, and I think it's going to be a bigger problem than people think.” (Harlan). Due to the new rule allowing college athletes to be endorsed by businesses, the definition of amateur sports is being rewritten. Fans of college athletics around the country don’t realize how big of an issue this is. Viewership may go down, leading to industries losing billions of dollars. ultimately hurting our country due to money not flowing back through the economy. Keeping these athletes away from million-dollar brand deals will ensure college sports continue to thrive. 

The issue of NIL money goes beyond kids getting rich. The purpose of college as a whole is in jeopardy because “providing them with additional cash payments will divert even more funding from academic departments and undermine the primary purpose of attending college” (Counterpoint: College Athletes Should Remain Amateurs). The NCAA generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2021 (sportspromedia.com). Putting all of this money into athletic departments is not fair to the students who go to college for academics because they are paying for a degree and don’t get nice facilities like the athletes. 

The purpose to play sports in college is becoming a way to get a player's name out there so they can get rich. Ensuring that money is separated adequately will ultimately ensure college sports stay amateur.  In an article debating if college sports should stay amateur, the author claims, many college athletes already receive grants and scholarships to participate in sports. Compensation for competing compromises their true amateur status and emphasizes financial gain over the love of the sport” (Counterpoint: College Athletes Should Remain Amateurs). The author points out that grants and scholarships are a way in which college athletes are paid. They already have an advantage because they go to school for free while regular students pay for school and get no benefits. Athletes are becoming more focused on their financial gain over getting a degree. Eliminating the rule that allows college athletes to get massive brand deals will make sure athletes stay student-athletes who are focused on school while participating in athletics. 

College sports is one of the most watched programs in America. Whether it is fans cheering on their favorite team, or athletes competing against each other due to their love for the game, people love it due to its amateur state. Ensuring that collegiate athletics stay amateur by keeping student-athletes focused on school and their sport over money will keep the NCAA as one of the most loved organizations throughout the country.