Organized Money The Shadowy Puppet Masters Who Control College Athletics
Dec 10, 2025
Katie Van Dyck, a Senior Legal Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project and former FTC attorney, dives deep into the tumultuous world of college athletics. She discusses the groundbreaking 2019 Supreme Court ruling that allowed athletes to monetize their talents, contrasting it with the current legislative efforts aiming to roll back many of these gains. With insights on NCAA's grip on student-athletes, the push for revenue sharing, and the implications of the SCORE Act, Katie sheds light on the urgent need for collective bargaining rights to safeguard athletes' futures.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How Alston Changed Athlete Status
- The NCAA historically treated athletes as "student-athletes" to avoid employee status and payroll obligations.
- The Supreme Court's 2021 Alston decision removed that immunity and began dismantling pay restrictions.
NIL And Revenue Sharing Unlocked
- Alston jump-started NIL deals and opened an endorsement market for college athletes.
- The recent Hueston settlement now allows direct revenue sharing from media deals to athletes for the first time.
Chris Webber Jersey Story
- Matt Stoller recalls Chris Webber seeing his jersey sold for $80 while he had 20 cents.
- The story illustrates how athletes historically generated huge commercial value without pay.