In today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, John and Barry explore the shifting landscape of college athletics, focusing on the growing financial pressures of NIL. Auburn and Alabama’s spring games are previewed with promotions like locker room tours and “kickoff captain” packages, but the broader conversation centers on the need for sustainable revenue streams.
With Auburn’s 2025 football payroll projected at $20 million, the hosts question whether traditional fan donations are enough, suggesting stadium naming rights and ticket surcharges—like Tennessee’s NIL fee—as more viable long-term solutions.
They also examine the likelihood of iconic venues like Bryant-Denny or Jordan-Hare adopting corporate sponsors to compete nationally. Is the NCAA about to become an advertisers dream?
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The show also reflects on Auburn basketball’s standout season, crediting Johni Broome as the most accomplished player in program history after leading the Tigers to a 32–6 record and a Final Four berth. The unpredictability of the transfer portal and NIL deals clouds next season’s outlook.
Meanwhile, The Masters garners attention with talk of top contenders and rising stars, while Auburn recruiting analyst Jason Caldwell offers insight on the Tigers’ quarterback depth, notably early enrollee Deuce Knight.
As the NIL era reshapes everything from rosters to ticket pricing, the episode underscores how tradition-rich programs are scrambling to keep up with college football’s new economy. How will smaller/less wealthy teams keep up? Will the teams with the most money continue to win or will potentially offer some new programs to cease the moment?
