Pay for Play: The Financial Value of NCAA Football Players
We explore the financial value of NCAA football recruits and establish a wage schedule based on the star ratings assigned to high school athletes by an independent talent evaluation agency. Evidence suggests that the contribution of higher ranking recruits to team wins significantly increases revenues. While the NCAA currently prohibits universities from paying student athletes, we estimate that if amateurism rules were rescinded and college football players were compensated according to their revenue generating abilities then five four three and low star players would be entitled to annual salaries of $799,000, $361,000, $29,000, and $21,000, respectively, in addition to athletic scholarships covering tuition, books, and room and board.