We all grew up thinking of college athletes as amateurs, with the best programs landing the amateurs most likely to go pro. It’s been a rough and rapid change to this new world of paying players. Today, many basketball players will make far, far more money playing college ball than they ever will make playing in the NBA or a professional league overseas. As for the future pros, they’re often making more money in college than some of their professional counterparts. Reportedly, Josh Downs, former
UNC wide receiver and 3rd round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, earned less last year than his younger brother Caleb did playing safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
We could trade anecdotes about roster budgets and player NIL deals all day. Reports suggests Kentucky spent over $20 million on its basketball roster this season. Between football, basketball and baseball, LSU seems to have dropped over $200 million this year alone in buy outs, salaries, and player deals. As UNC looks for a new coach, part of the decision will be how much UNC wants to spend and how much top candidates will demand in salary and support.
The issue of when and how the schools, conferences, and NCAA figure all of this out is not today’s question. Who knows? Instead, what number do you think UNC would need to spend on its basketball annually in order to consistently compete for a #1 or #2 seed? That includes coaching, support, and roster. And once you think you have a figure, is there a point where that number starts to make you uncomfortable?
