A number of smaller universities are exploring special general student fees to support athletics programs, particularly player compensation. Some have already announced these additional charges for the upcoming academic year.
Requiring students who don't follow the MBB team to pay a mandatory fee to support the players' de facto salaries is jaw dropping to me. For students of modest means, it's saying you should borrow an additional $100, or spend a few more weekends eating creative takes on instant ramen, to pay these guys lots of money in addition to their full-ride scholarships.
In lieu of mandatory student fees, charge students the going rate for game tickets. At least let the marketplace of student support determine the student contribution to players' pay. At a school that is savagely cutting majors based on that marketplace, it's the fair and appropriate policy approach.
Requiring students who don't follow the MBB team to pay a mandatory fee to support the players' de facto salaries is jaw dropping to me. For students of modest means, it's saying you should borrow an additional $100, or spend a few more weekends eating creative takes on instant ramen, to pay these guys lots of money in addition to their full-ride scholarships.
In lieu of mandatory student fees, charge students the going rate for game tickets. At least let the marketplace of student support determine the student contribution to players' pay. At a school that is savagely cutting majors based on that marketplace, it's the fair and appropriate policy approach.
The "marketplace of student support" is free tickets. You want to drive support for the sports teams up. Making students pay, even if it is 15 dollars, only hurts the support from the student body. While I don't agree with the charge on the bursar for the athletics. Adding a tax rate to the concessions I would wholeheartedly support. It's no differebt than buying popcorn from a boy scout. Cookies from a girl scout. Or any other food based fund raiser. You have peace of mind knowing that your money is going where you want it, and not lining the pockets of a billionaire like in pro sports.
Consequently, no matter what revenue individual mid-majors attain on their own, they are constantly falling even further behind. The 280 or so mid-major basketball schools need to unite as an alliance for greater leverage to negotiate better terms of rules, regulations, and funding with the major conferences.
If they want to compete long term, the mid majors will have to form an alliance of some sort and that may include purposefully choosing to break away from the P4/5 schools. Come up with their own championship, etc. I'm sure there's enough sports appetite to support it and some network is always looking for product.
