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Student Research Guide Spr2024- Makena Maldonado: Home

Why College Athletes should be Compensated

Introduction to the Topic

In recent years, the debate over whether college athletes should be compensated has been on going, triggered by clear evidence of the financial exploitation they face within the collegiate sports industry. In my research I support the fact that that college athletes dedicate an extensive amount of time to their sport, often at the expense of academic pursuits and personal well-being. The National Collegiate Athletic Association generates billions of dollars in revenue from television deals, merchandise sales, and ticket sales, yet athletes themselves receive only scholarships in return, which often fall short of covering the full cost of attendance. This raises concerns regarding fair compensation and highlights the need for reform within the collegiate sports system. I dive into the reasons and many benefits of compensating these athletes and giving them a platform to be influencers to the world. 

Keywords for searching the topic

  • Compensation 
  • College Athletes
  • Athletes
  • NCAA
  • Amateurism in College Sports

Best Databases/Search Engines

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Phifer, M. (2016). THE STUDENT-ATHLETE’S RIGHT TO ORGANIZE: HOW THE UNITED STATES IS VIOLATING THE INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION AND DECLARATION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS. American University International Law Review, 31(3), 475-.

Phifer's article provides a perspective on the debate surrounding compensation for college athletes by examining the issue through the lens of international labor rights. Exploring how the United States may be violating the International Labor Organization's constitution and declaration of fundamental rights in its treatment of student-athletes, the source sheds light on the broader implications of the issue beyond domestic sports policies. This article added depth to my topic and helped me broaden my information for my topic.

AbigailJHess. (2019, September 11). Majority of college students say student-athletes should be paid, survey finds. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/11/student-athletes-should-get-paid-college-students-say.htm

This source supports collegiate athletes being payed by reporting on a survey indicating that a majority of college students support paying student-athletes, the source offers good evidence of changing attitudes towards athlete compensation within the collegiate community. I think this is important because you want your peers to be with you not against you and this supports the idea that college students agree with the idea that student athletes should be compensated. It demonstrates widespread support and implements surveys.

Barbash, L. (2013). Pay or don’t play: paying college athletes isn’t just fair to players; it could improve college basketball. In The Washington monthly (Vol. 45, Issues 9–10, pp. 13-). Washington Monthly Company.

This article highlights compensating college athletes, emphasizing not only the fairness to the players but also the potential benefits for college basketball as a whole. It dives into how paying athletes can boosts the sports industries integrity and competitiveness. It compares the athletes as well as the division of play from collegiate to the NBA. In the article it gives examples of many collegiate athletes going to play in the NBA and how they compare to one another. 

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