College Sports Landscape - The current state of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money is unsustainable and could lead to a "super league" of approximately 20 teams, disadvantaging other schools [2][3][6] - The executive order regarding paying college athletes lacks concrete rules or policies, raising questions about its enforceability and potential impact on federal funding for schools [4][7] - The NCAA has had rules against third-party NIL payments that are not brand sponsorships since 2021 [4] - College athletics leaders are uncertain about which rules to follow, including state laws, the executive order, House settlement terms, NCAA bylaws, or the College Sports Commission [7] Athlete Compensation and Rights - The only sustainable future for college athletics involves allowing athletes to organize into their own players association to negotiate terms of participation [5][8] - Enforcing rules without athlete involvement can lead to antitrust violations and legal challenges [9][13] - College football generates over $13 billion annually, and athletes are now beginning to receive a share of that revenue [12] - Athletes are being compensated through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which can be viewed as "pay for play" [12][13] Potential Solutions - Establishing clear and enforceable rules requires negotiation between schools, the NCAA, conferences, and athletes through a players association [8] - Classifying NIL deals as "pay for play" could enable the creation of real, enforceable rules, provided athletes are involved in the agreement [13]