Checkbooks vs. Textbooks: Big Money and the Crisis in the College Sports
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| Title: | Checkbooks vs. Textbooks: Big Money and the Crisis in the College Sports |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Andrew Perloff, Manhattan Institute (MI) |
| Source: | Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. 2026. |
| Availability: | Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Tel: 212-599-7000; Fax: 212-599-3494; Web site: http://www.manhattan-institute.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Evaluative |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Athletics, Student Athletes, Income, Economic Factors, Team Sports, Court Litigation, Costs, Collective Bargaining |
| Abstract: | The recent commercial success of college athletics was made possible, in part, by a series of legal and policy changes that have transformed the system. Court rulings limiting the NCAA's regulatory authority and the legalization of compensation through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have created a new marketplace for college athletes. Players can also more easily transfer between schools, creating a growing market for student-athlete talent. These developments have created opportunities for athletes but also placed enormous strain on universities and athletic departments. The revenue gap between the richest athletic programs and smaller schools has grown wider than ever, threatening the viability of athletics at many institutions. Tensions have prompted widespread concern that the current model is unsustainable. This report examines how college sports reached this point and explores potential reforms--from revenue sharing and collective bargaining to changes in broadcasting law--that could help preserve athletics as part of the university system while adapting to its new economic reality. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED679637 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The recent commercial success of college athletics was made possible, in part, by a series of legal and policy changes that have transformed the system. Court rulings limiting the NCAA's regulatory authority and the legalization of compensation through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have created a new marketplace for college athletes. Players can also more easily transfer between schools, creating a growing market for student-athlete talent. These developments have created opportunities for athletes but also placed enormous strain on universities and athletic departments. The revenue gap between the richest athletic programs and smaller schools has grown wider than ever, threatening the viability of athletics at many institutions. Tensions have prompted widespread concern that the current model is unsustainable. This report examines how college sports reached this point and explores potential reforms--from revenue sharing and collective bargaining to changes in broadcasting law--that could help preserve athletics as part of the university system while adapting to its new economic reality. |
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