The latest dent in the NCAA’s principle of amateurism comes from Monaco, where track and field gold medalists will be the first athletes to earn international prize money at the Olympics. Each gold medalist will receive $50,000 for individual wins, with plans to extend the prize money to silver and bronze medalists at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, it is unclear if current college athletes are allowed to receive this prize money, as the NCAA prohibits athletes from accepting prize money in events like the U.S. Open. The NCAA currently allows Olympic athletes in college to receive money through its Operation Gold program, but only from certain governing bodies.
A lawsuit filed by University of North Carolina tennis player Reese Brantmeier challenges the NCAA’s rules prohibiting college athletes from accepting prize money and maintaining their eligibility. Brantmeier argues that athletes like her deserve to keep the prize money they earn, rather than just enough to cover their expenses. This issue becomes more prominent as athletes see other college athletes benefiting from lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals while they are unable to accept prize money they earn through competition. The NCAA’s restrictions on prize money seem particularly unfair given the current landscape of NIL deals and booster-backed collectives.
The NCAA’s stance on prize money is coming under scrutiny as a series of lawsuits challenge the organization’s long-standing defense of amateurism. As the spotlight shines on this issue, it becomes clear that the NCAA’s rules around prize money are out of touch with the current realities of college sports. These rules could potentially push elite athletes to leave campus early in order to pursue prize money in professional competitions. This highlights the need for a common-sense approach that allows college athletes to keep their prize money while maintaining their eligibility, aligning with the changing landscape of college athletics and NIL opportunities.
Overall, it is time for the NCAA to reconsider its restrictions on prize money for college athletes. Allowing athletes to keep the prize money they earn through competition would not only be fair but also align with the current trends in college sports, including NIL opportunities. By adapting to these changes, the NCAA can ensure that elite athletes have the opportunity to compete collegiately while also benefiting from their success through prize money. This common-sense approach would address the growing concerns around the NCAA’s amateurism rules and provide a more equitable system for college athletes.
