In 2010 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl games generated $1,200,000,000 for host cities. 2010 BCS bowls also distributed $142,500,000 to participating athletic departments. The total payout for the five 2011 BCS bowls is $230,237,000. In 2011, eight BCS bowl coaches received an additional $1,864,000 because their teams are playing in a BCS bowl game. The bowl season is big, big business. Yet BCS players, the main bowl ingredient, receive $250 to $500 gift bags for their work leading up to and participation in BCS bowl games. During the holiday season BCS players cannot spend time with their families because they are generating billions for universities, coaches, and host cities.
Da’ Season For Distribution: A 2012 BCS Bowl Revenue-Sharing Plan proposes to distribute BCS bowl payouts between BCS universities and players. The misnomer student-athlete is not used in this proposal. “Players”, with its various interpretations, is more relevant. A revenue-sharing plan acknowledges that the contributions of players lead to additional profit over expenses like contracting athletic scholarships and sustaining football operations. There are many developmental benefits to revenue-sharing, or fairness, including player’s capacity to open a bank account, manage a Christmas fund, and provide Christmas gifts for their families.
