College athletes deserve a share of the millions of dollars they help generate because their hard work and talent are a major reason people watch college sports. Athletes spend countless hours practicing, traveling, competing, and training while also keeping up with their schoolwork. Their performances bring in money through ticket sales, television contracts, merchandise, and sponsorships. While colleges and athletic programs benefit financially from this success, the athletes themselves are the ones competing and taking on the physical risks of their sports. Giving athletes a portion of the revenue recognizes their contributions and allows them to benefit from the success they help create.

Without the athletes competing, there would be no games to sell tickets for, no jerseys to sell, and no television audiences to attract. These athletes dedicate countless hours to practices, games, travel, and training while still being expected to succeed academically. Meanwhile, colleges and athletic programs can earn enormous amounts of money from their performances. It is only fair that the athletes who make this revenue possible receive a portion of it. They are not simply students playing a game—they are the reason the business exists in the first place.

College level is the next step before someone actually goes pro. If they're playing D1, have designated their lives to the sport, and actually win their games, of course they should be payed a share! They're paying the college to play a sport they love! How is that fair. It isn't. I rest my case.