College sports advocates press philanthropy to buffer NIL’s commercial pressure on women’s sports
Summary
Advocates are concerned that increased commercial pressure from big college sports like football and basketball could harm women’s and Olympic sports programs. They urge donors to support these smaller sports through scholarships and funding to help them thrive amid changing college athlete payment rules.Key Facts
- College sports programs supply about 75% of U.S. Olympians in typical Summer Games.
- A $2.8 billion settlement now allows schools to share over $20 million annually with athletes, mostly benefiting football and basketball.
- Some believe this focus on lucrative sports risks underfunding women’s and Olympic sports.
- A Senate bill is proposed to protect and fund women’s and Olympic sports.
- Donors and philanthropists are encouraged to support women’s and men’s Olympic sports directly.
- Tennessee Education Lottery CEO Rebecca Paul gave $12 million to create an endowed fund for women’s athletics at Butler University.
- Paul noted past disparities in sports opportunities for women, highlighting the need for continued support.
- Financial adviser Celene Funke warns that commercial pressures could harm entire athletic departments without proper safeguards.
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