Basketball HOFer Trashes New College Pay Rules As Players Make More Than Staff

Basketball has changed quickly as college athletes gain new ways to make money. Schools now have to deal with a system that can affect recruiting, roster decisions and spending across their programs.

That has made the fight over new college sports rules much bigger. The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22 on Sept. 28, sending the bill to the House for consideration.

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The debate over a proposed $5 million salary cap for coaches became personal for Arkansas coach John Calipari on Wednesday. He used his own program to explain how much player earnings have changed college basketball.

Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Oscar Cluff (45) shoots against Texas Longhorns forward Camden Heide (5) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

“I’m gonna say this, I probably shouldn’t, nine of my players make more than my assistants, and the other three make more than all my staff, and we are not one of the highest payers. We’re just not,” Calipari said.

His comments show a major change in how money is divided inside college programs. Some Arkansas players now earn more than members of the coaching staff.

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Calipari also said Arkansas is not one of the highest-paying programs. That means programs at the top of the market may have even larger pay gaps.

Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) celebrates after making the game-winning shot against the Texas Longhorns in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Calipari defended his own salary by pointing to his nearly 40 years of coaching. He said he began as a volunteer and then spent two years working as a part-time assistant.

His comments came as the Senate considers a bill that would create federal rules for NIL…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/basketball-hofer-trashes-college-pay-225121528.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-01 22:51:00

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