Players' rising contracts and NIL deals redefine college athletics. Miami Hurricanes President and CEO Joe Echevarria advocates for a groundbreaking partnership to navigate this evolving landscape.
The world of college sports is in a different landscape compared to what it was 20 years ago. Players are staying longer, signing contracts, and receiving individual sponsorships. Many on the Miami Hurricanes roster reap the same benefits, such as quarterback Carson Beck, who signed an NIL package worth up to $4 million in early Jan. of 2025.
It's become a business rather than an opportunity to earn an education and carve out a path in professional sports. Hurricanes President and CEO Joe Echevarria spoke about the need for a partnership, a Collective Bargaining Agreement, on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday.
"You have to create a collective bargaining act with the partnership, he said. "That will help everybody rise up. Today, the share that we do is $22 million in the house settlement, that's what universities can pay. The outside market has no cap on what it can pay, obviously. You have to take that next step and create [a situation] where both sides become partners to each other. That requires some form of collective bargaining for players."
Quarterback Dante Moore announced his decision to return to the Oregon Ducks on Wednesday and it was reported on Saturday that Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is suing the NCAA in Mississippi state court for a sixth year of eligibility after being denied on Jan. 9th.
There's a lack of restriction on what's allowed and what isn't in college sports, most notably in football. The quantity of opportunities isn't what it used to be, especially with the transfer portal.
"There's about 4,000 kids in the transfer portal," Echevarria added. "There's not 4,000 opportunities."
There's also the need to address the calendar of the transfer portal, as it aligns with the end of fall and the beginning of the spring semester. However, it conflicts with programs competing in the College Football Playoffs.
The Ducks are a prime example from the Peach Bowl semifinals against the Indiana Hoosiers. They were missing numerous running backs due to the transfer portal, which conflicted with depth.
A Collective Bargaining Agreement in college sports results in the creation of a player's union. Of course, seeking an education is important, but the business side has taken a step further in college sports. Adding formality could potentially make things easier for programs and players.
However, for that to happen, there needs to be continuity on both sides. It's a new age of college sports; it's better to catch up than be left behind.
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