Report: Top College Football and Basketball Players Worth More Than $100,000

A recent study from the National College Players Association finds that the top football and basketball collegiate athletes are worth over $100,000 to their the programs. The advocacy group argues that athletes are entitled to some of that money.

Based on calculations made by the NCPA and a sports management professor, the average Football Bowl Subdivision player is worth $120,000 per year, while the average basketball player is worth $265,000.

The NCPA is an advocacy group for college athletes and has roughly 14,000 members. In the report, aquired prior to its release by The Associated Press, the group argues that there should be certain methods for athlete compensation.

The group argues that portions of revenue funds should be kept in what it's calling an "educational lockbox." Once athletes are no longer eligible for sports, they would have access to these funds. If they lose their eligibility before they graduate, these funds could be used toward education costs.

Additionally, the NCPA contends that athletes should be allowed to pursue endorsements and other commercial deals, with some of those funds being put in the "lockbox."

The report also finds that athletes in nearly 85 percent of schools are living below the poverty line, due to the difference between scholarships and the actual cost of attendance. This difference ranges anywhere from $952-$6,127, and the group says schools should cover that difference.

The Committee on Academic Performance is expected to in the next week to discuss these issues and make recommendations to the Division I Board of Directors.