Deion Sanders Exposes Consequences of Colleges’ $2.5 Billion Splurge As Tensions Grow Between Legends & Amateurs

Modern real tradition often feels like the foundation of an old-school mansion. But what happens when a shiny new skyscraper rises next door, reshaping the entire neighborhood? Surely there will be a few jealous eyes. Taking some time off after finishing the regular season ranked at No. 23 in the CFP rankings, the Buffs revolutionary head coach Deion Sanders is no stranger to shaking things up, and this time, he’s spotlight on the growing tension between legendary athletes of yesteryear and the rising stars of today’s college sports landscape, where they see freshman athletes sometimes skating past the OGs in a Maybach.

Appearing on We Got Time Today with Lil Rel Howery, posted by the Tubi on Instagram with the caption, “old school vs. new school thoughts with.” The NFL HOFer Deion Sanders couldn’t hold back, asking a question that’s likely echoed in locker rooms and living rooms alike: “Do you guys get upset with the internet guys that are making a lot of money? Like being an old-school athlete, a lot of old-school athletes get upset with the new-school guys whose quarterbacks make $67 million, you know, $50 million, and they’re all right, you know?” With a net-worth of about $50 million, Coach Prime is set now. But being an OG athlete himself, the comments underscore a fundamental shift that’s left some feeling nostalgic for the grit of the past while others revel in the financial opportunities of the present.

The numbers back him up. Bringing out the calculators, the Opendorse explains the reason. The shiny new skyscraper, in the form of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) revolution that’s turning college sports on its head now that college athletes can profit from their brand. The NIL market soared past $1.2 billion in 2023-2024 and is projected to skyrocket to $2.5 billion by 2025-2026. Football dominates the NIL pie, with 72.2% of collective spending, while men’s basketball takes a 21.2% share. Remember Arch Manning, Texas’ backup quarterback, how he recently saw his NIL valuation rise by a staggering $1.5 million overnight, thanks to that one viral video. Yeah, that’s what the NIL magic is, which wasn’t there back then.

The talk-host, hit back with a poignant observation, of Prime’s dilemma, “I think that starts from an even deeper place… it’s weird when people open up doors for you to make it a little easier and do things, but then they get mad at you when you actually accomplish a lot of things.” It’s a cycle, a tug-of-war between gratitude for pioneers and frustration at not sharing in the spoils of today’s prosperity.

Sanders’ take raises critical questions about the broader implications of NIL. Sure, the cash flow is undeniable—Morgan Stanley reported a 300% year-over-year increase in brand compensation for student-athletes in 2023. But is this newfound wealth altering the core of college sports? Critics argue that the focus on individual earning potential could overshadow team dynamics, while supporters see NIL as a long-overdue justice for athletes who generate millions for their schools. Just like how the legendary CB Deion Sanders and his QB1 son, who has benefited the most from the system.

Deion Sanders has eyes on his son’s lucrative NIL earnings

Dad Prime, surely amazed by these present-day athletes getting all the bling early, but he must be a proud father too. As slightly jealous as he sounded, he forgot about his son, Shedeur Sanders, who’s at the top of the NIL list. Valued at $5 Mil, the Buffs senior man is turning his brand into a powerhouse. Sanders made history as the first college athlete to sign with Nike, but he didn’t stop there. He’s also inked deals with Beats by Dre, Google, and 5340 Alliance, creating a sponsorship portfolio that would make even seasoned pros jealous.

The numbers? Jaw-dropping. Sanders is projected to rake in a cool $5 million in 2024, making him the highest-paid player in college football. It’s not just pocket change; it’s proof that Sanders is dominating both on and off the gridiron. To put it into perspective, his teammate and two-way star Travis Hunter is third on the NIL earnings leaderboard with a still-impressive $3.1 million valuation.

As Deion Sanders preps them for their bowl game, which could skyrocket those numbers. The old man is surely not going to pay for his dinner anymore after knowing his worth.