A Gap, B Gap, Economic Gap: How Athletic Scholarships Force Student-Athletes into Non-Lucrative Majors

Abstract

Athletic scholarships create an economic gap when student-athletes select non-lucrative majors as opposed to lucrative majors. The Article further asserts that student-athletes should either receive the opportunity to select lucrative majors or receive the financial difference. The issue of student-athletes receiving compensation has long been debated by players and the NCAA. The NCAA asserts that they can restrict payments to athletes by arguing that their restraints have procompetitive effects on the sports market. This argument, heard by the Supreme Court over 35 years ago, won the day in NCAA v. Board of Regents. The NCAA argues that the opportunity to obtain a degree makes up for the lack of financial compensation to student-athletes. Despite this opportunity, it begs the question: “What type of degrees do athletes receive?” Countless reasons exist for why student-athletes should receive financial compensation, but another reason includes the fluctuated value of a college degree which creates an economic gap between student-athletes and non-student-athletes.