sports and game - In a groundbreaking proposal that could reshape college football's financial landscape, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has introduced an innovative concept for the College Football Playoff (CFP) - ...
paying players for tournament participation and victories, similar to the NFL's playoff bonus structure.
The suggestion comes at a crucial time in college athletics, where debates about player compensation and NIL deals have dominated discussions. Sanders, speaking alongside former Alabama coach Nick Saban during an Aflac commercial unveiling, emphasized that such a system would create true equality among players.
Currently, conferences receive $4 million when their schools make the 12-team playoff bracket, with additional payments for advancing rounds. Sanders' proposal would mirror the NFL's system, where players received $171,000 for winning the Super Bowl last year.
The timing of this proposal is particularly significant as college football undergoes massive transformation. With schools now able to pay up to $20.5 million to their athletes under the House settlement, plus third-party NIL deals, the sport's economic model is evolving rapidly.
Saban, who won six national titles at Alabama before retiring, supported Sanders' proposal while expressing concerns about the current NIL system. He emphasized that only a small percentage of players truly benefit from major NIL deals, suggesting that a more equitable distribution system could benefit the broader student-athlete population.
The proposal also addresses broader concerns about competitive balance in college football. Saban specifically criticized suggestions from the Big Ten about guaranteed playoff spots for certain conferences, comparing it to the NFL's merit-based system where even popular teams must earn their way into the playoffs.
The suggestion comes at a crucial time in college athletics, where debates about player compensation and NIL deals have dominated discussions. Sanders, speaking alongside former Alabama coach Nick Saban during an Aflac commercial unveiling, emphasized that such a system would create true equality among players.
Currently, conferences receive $4 million when their schools make the 12-team playoff bracket, with additional payments for advancing rounds. Sanders' proposal would mirror the NFL's system, where players received $171,000 for winning the Super Bowl last year.
The timing of this proposal is particularly significant as college football undergoes massive transformation. With schools now able to pay up to $20.5 million to their athletes under the House settlement, plus third-party NIL deals, the sport's economic model is evolving rapidly.
Saban, who won six national titles at Alabama before retiring, supported Sanders' proposal while expressing concerns about the current NIL system. He emphasized that only a small percentage of players truly benefit from major NIL deals, suggesting that a more equitable distribution system could benefit the broader student-athlete population.
The proposal also addresses broader concerns about competitive balance in college football. Saban specifically criticized suggestions from the Big Ten about guaranteed playoff spots for certain conferences, comparing it to the NFL's merit-based system where even popular teams must earn their way into the playoffs.