As discussions around student-athlete compensation continue, a new report suggests NCAA football players could be making millions per year if they were able to cash in on their abilities. According to a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research, an average football and basketball player at a Power 5 school would make between $360,000 and $500,000 per season.
The figures were based on the approximate 50/50 revenue split used by the NFL and NBA. Minimum compensation for backup players will still likely be double tuition. Currently, that payment is still a pipe dream. Less than 7% of football and men’s basketball revenue is paid to college athletes through scholarships and stipends.
Potential Collegiate Athlete Earnings:
Starting Quarterbacks: $2.4 million
Starting Wide Receivers: $1.3 million
Starting Five Basketball Players: $800,000 to $1.2 million
Average Basketball Players: $500,000
Average Football Players: $360,000
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