Show Me the Money: Will Revenue Sharing End the One-and-Done Era?
In the emerging revenue-sharing models within NCAA Division I athletics, most programs are allocating a significant portion of funds to football, given its substantial revenue generation. However, certain schools are recognizing the financial impact of their men's basketball programs and are planning to distribute funds more equitably between football and men's basketball.
Schools like the University of Connecticut (UConn) are allocating substantial portions of their revenue-sharing funds to men's basketball players, reflecting the program's financial contributions. For instance, UConn plans to distribute up to $20.5 million annually to student-athletes, with a significant share likely directed toward men's basketball.
Despite these enhanced collegiate earnings, the financial incentives of entering the NBA Draft often remain more lucrative. The first overall pick in the NBA Draft is projected to earn approximately $57.19 million over a four-year contract.
In contrast, top college basketball players earn significantly less through NIL deals. In 2024, the top 25 men's college basketball athletes earned an average of $350,000 in NIL compensation, which is only 7.6% of the median NBA salary of $4.6 million.
However, there are exceptional cases where collegiate earnings approach or even surpass potential NBA rookie salaries. For example, Duke's standout freshman, Cooper Flagg, has an NIL valuation of approximately $4.3 million, leading him to consider extending his college career.
While this figure is substantial, it still falls short of the projected earnings for a top NBA draft pick.
While revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities have enhanced the financial appeal of remaining in college, for most elite players, the NBA offers significantly higher earning potential. Therefore, unless collegiate compensation can match or exceed NBA salaries, the one-and-done trend is likely to persist.
https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn/article/revenue-sharing-ncaa-uconn-basketball-20187257.php
https://talksport.com/basketball/2938494/cooper-flagg-nba-draft-duke-ncaa/