• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 5, 2025

Survey: College Football Revenue Sharing Is Imminent

  • 82% of respondents to an ESPN survey think athlete revenue sharing is on the horizon
  • Regardless of prevailing opinion, there are already several forces in motion.
Ohio-State-player-escapes-Michigan-defender
Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch

The idea of NCAA football players receiving a cut of athletic department revenue has always seemed like a pipe dream. But administrators, coaches, and players agree — the concept is now imminent.

About 82% of respondents to an ESPN survey of more than 200 college football stakeholders expect revenue sharing within the next decade. 

  • 54% think that by 2027, schools will start paying players directly as part of athletes’ compensation benefits.
  • 28% believe that by 2032, a pay-for-play system will be in place.
  • Only 12% expect there will never be revenue-sharing.

The idea isn’t new — but the survey suggests it’s continuing to gain momentum.

At Big Ten media days last week, for example, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said he believed athletes should get a cut of conference revenue. 

The comments followed news that Penn State players joined an organization planning to negotiate for media rights revenue sharing, as well as increased medical benefits. The Big Ten is in the end stages of negotiations for a deal that could garner more than $1.25 billion annually for the conference, FOS previously reported.

The courts, NLRB, or Congress could require athletes to be paid regardless of the prevailing opinion.

One case in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals is currently weighing whether athletes are considered employees under the law. 

Two cases have been filed to the NLRB suggesting athletes should be able to collectively bargain — a timely development given that current NLRB general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo has been vocal about her stance that athletes are employees.

And while Congress is unlikely to pass any college athlete compensation legislation before the November election, there have been discussions about bills that would require revenue sharing.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
Ohio State

Collectives Funnel $20 Million to College Athletes on Last Day Before Revenue..

Collectives frontloaded payments just before the revenue sharing era begins July 1.
exclusive

ESPN, Fox Reluctant to Share Talent With Netflix for Christmas NFL Games

ESPN talents who worked last year’s games include Laura Rutledge and Mina Kimes.

Featured Today

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.

Everything You Need to Know About EA’s Return to College Basketball Video..

There hasn’t been a college basketball game in more than 15 years.
June 30, 2025

College Sports Revenue-Sharing Underway As More Changes Loom

July 1 marks the first day schools can directly pay players.
July 1, 2025

Big Ten Commish Still Pushes for 4 Auto CFP Bids in 16-Team..

The conference wants four guaranteed spots in the Playoff.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 30, 2025

Pac-12 Hits Football Membership Threshold With Texas State Entry

The school is paying $5 million to leave the Sun Belt Conference.
Mar 23, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jeremy Roach (3) reacts after a play during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
June 26, 2025

Power Four Put Finishing Touches on How Revenue Sharing Era Will Work

The agreement stipulates that schools can’t sue to challenge any terms of the settlement.
June 26, 2025

Pac-12 Rebuild Nears Completion With 2026 Texas State Addition

The Sun Belt school is likely joining the Pac-12 in 2026.
Sep 16, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Sacramento State Hornets running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver (25) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium.
June 25, 2025

Sacramento State ‘Full Steam Ahead’ for FBS Despite Not Receiving NCAA Waiver

The Hornets launched a public campaign to join the FBS last fall.