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The 2023-24 college basketball season came to an end earlier this month as the UConn Huskies beat the Purdue Boilermakers 75-60 to win their second consecutive national title.
Name, image and likeness deals have taken the sport by storm in recent seasons. Take a look at whether college basketball players get paid.
Do college basketball players get paid?
College basketball players were unable to receive compensation for their play until a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2021.
National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Alston allowed student athletes to be compensated for their play. While not all college basketball players are earning money, the top earners can bring a nice amonut for their name, image and likeness.
USC Trojans guard Bronny James, who has entered the transfer portal and the 2024 NBA Draft, leads the way with an NIL valuation of $4.5 million, according to On3 Sports.
Duke Blue Devils guard Jared McCain, who has also entered the 2024 NBA Draft, has an NIL valuation of $1.4 million. Austin Peay Governors guard Hansel Enmanuel and LSU Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson are the only two other players earning over $1 million in NIL, with both players' NIL valuation sitting at $1.2 million.
While only four players are earning seven figures, there are plenty more who are bringing in at least six figures. Although the earning potential is nowhere near that of professional athletes, it represents a positive shift for student athletes, who were previously not allowed to make money off their name, image and likeness.
Could name, image and likness deals keep college basketball players in school?
College basketball players now have the ability to earn significant amounts of moeny for their name, image and likeness. Nevertheless, it's unlikely that such deals will keep players in school, as the top earners have significantly more earning potential in the NBA.
While Bronny James is an exception - due to his father's status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time - most players will earn less than even a second-round draft pick.
Even Jared McCain, who has the second-highest NIL valuation, earned less money than most second-round picks from the 2023 NBA Draft.
Instead, NIL deals will do more for players without a real NBA future, while providing those who are likely headed to the league with an opportunity to earn money before doing so.
