Millions At Stake For Coaches And Players in NCAA Championship Game

Author: Chris Smith

This week’s article is about the business of the NCAA championship game. Every year the NCAA makes millions off of the rights of the NCAA basketball championship. The coaches of these talented teams receive millions in compensation and a lot of them are the highest paid employees in the state. Acording to Forbes Magazine, University of Kansas and University of Kentucky generated a combined $19 million for the Big 12 and SEC. Coach John Calipari will benefit the most from a national championship title. Calipari is the highest paid NCAA basketball coach and a $325,000 in performance bonuses this season and will receive an additional $375,000 if he wins tonight. Kansas coach, Bill Self has already profited $100,000 and will make another $200,000 if he wins a national championship. Players will also benefit by showing their talent before entering into the NBA draft. Kentucky starter Anthony Davis is expected to receive the first round pick in the NBA draft. Forbes states that performance in the championship game is important because the difference between third and fourth picks is $693,100 over the first two seasons. The NCAA championship basketball game brings millions of dollars into the business of sports.

This article shows the amount of money put into sports and the pressure these young athletes are under to perform. The compensation of these coaches and future NBA players seems outrageous however it is pure economics. The compensations are matched with the demand created by schools and NBA franchises. The strong demand for the talent pushes salaries higher and higher. Sometimes the salaries are questioned, such as the NBA lockout. Most of these college players are receiving full scholarship to play for their school. However I believe this is not enough. College players are tempted to receive offers from outside sources. The offers given by outside sources are matching the demand for talent however NCAA makes it illegal for players to receive compensation from outside sources. I believe players should receive outside compensation for their talent. Is it fair for coaches and schools to receive millions off of the talents of these young players? If players receive money will it ruin the college game?

Forbes Article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2012/04/02/millions-at-stake-for-coaches-and-players-in-ncaa-championship-game/2/