Major supporters and fans re-thinking their financial and future plans for College Football

[VOL765309]

Hey . It's the College football playoff time and meaningless college football bowl participation (or lack of) trophy time. WEEEEEEEEE!!!

Over the last few weeks and during the holidays, I have been lucky enough to be around some major and intermediate VOL boosters. And the conversation is definitely about the future of college football, the money being spent on players, collectives, players opting out of bowl games, replacing coaches, etc, etc etc. After listening intently and with little participation by myself, but as a lover of UT football and UT graduate, I came away with some real concerns as a fan myself. The major thing I came away from this interaction was that the college football fan is being slighted and ignored in this whole scheme of things of this new era of college football. I was totally surprised by the talk of most of these boosters and supporters planning not to even go to the bowl game in Nashville. Not only that, that they are now re=thinking the kind of financial support they have given historically, including the ownership of boxes in Neyland Stadium. Yes, Yes, they all have the money to contribute, but feel like their return on their investment of not only their money but also time lately, has not been up to par. The biggest complaint that I hear is that the players have become not a VOL, but as a free agent at any time they feel like it, leave at any time they want., and not participate in a bowl game if they don't want to. Major changes are needed in college football, if the fan and booster is going to stick around.

I hate hearing this, but see and feel the same way. The average fan is being slighted. The act of supporting your favorite player by going to buy one of their jerseys with their name on the back is now gone. Jeez, the NFL has contracts with their players for multi-years and are written to enhance the team, not the player in most respects. Free agency was great for the NFL, but the way college football is, it is not even close. The advent of NIL in college football was a great idea. But the rules are becoming a disaster for the average fan. TIME FOR SOME MAJOR CHANGES!!

 

[feathersax]

Hey . It's the College football playoff time and meaningless college football bowl participation (or lack of) trophy time. WEEEEEEEEE!!!

Over the last few weeks and during the holidays, I have been lucky enough to be around some major and intermediate VOL boosters. And the conversation is definitely about the future of college football, the money being spent on players, collectives, players opting out of bowl games, replacing coaches, etc, etc etc. After listening intently and with little participation by myself, but as a lover of UT football and UT graduate, I came away with some real concerns as a fan myself. The major thing I came away from this interaction was that the college football fan is being slighted and ignored in this whole scheme of things of this new era of college football. I was totally surprised by the talk of most of these boosters and supporters planning not to even go to the bowl game in Nashville. Not only that, that they are now re=thinking the kind of financial support they have given historically, including the ownership of boxes in Neyland Stadium. Yes, Yes, they all have the money to contribute, but feel like their return on their investment of not only their money but also time lately, has not been up to par. The biggest complaint that I hear is that the players have become not a VOL, but as a free agent at any time they feel like it, leave at any time they want., and not participate in a bowl game if they don't want to. Major changes are needed in college football, if the fan and booster is going to stick around.

I hate hearing this, but see and feel the same way. The average fan is being slighted. The act of supporting your favorite player by going to buy one of their jerseys with their name on the back is now gone. Jeez, the NFL has contracts with their players for multi-years and are written to enhance the team, not the player in most respects. Free agency was great for the NFL, but the way college football is, it is not even close. The advent of NIL in college football was a great idea. But the rules are becoming a disaster for the average fan. TIME FOR SOME MAJOR CHANGES!!

Sad but TRUE.

 

[txbo]

Troy Aikman says he's done contributing to NIL after a UCLA player took his money and left

 

[ButchPlz]

Players, coaches, administrators have all forgotten that they don't have anything without us. The more the game goes this way, and the more conferences, coaches, ADs, and players nickel and dime in the name of "winning" the more regular people like you and me start to ask what a win is worth.

I'd never have thought I'd say this in my life, but my level of care is decreasing significantly (and we're a darn good program!). Whether that's age, life circumstances, or the fact that this sport just isn't recognizable, I don't know, but I know I'm not really alone.

 

[Delmar]

Hey . It's the College football playoff time and meaningless college football bowl participation (or lack of) trophy time. WEEEEEEEEE!!!

Over the last few weeks and during the holidays, I have been lucky enough to be around some major and intermediate VOL boosters. And the conversation is definitely about the future of college football, the money being spent on players, collectives, players opting out of bowl games, replacing coaches, etc, etc etc. After listening intently and with little participation by myself, but as a lover of UT football and UT graduate, I came away with some real concerns as a fan myself. The major thing I came away from this interaction was that the college football fan is being slighted and ignored in this whole scheme of things of this new era of college football. I was totally surprised by the talk of most of these boosters and supporters planning not to even go to the bowl game in Nashville. Not only that, that they are now re=thinking the kind of financial support they have given historically, including the ownership of boxes in Neyland Stadium. Yes, Yes, they all have the money to contribute, but feel like their return on their investment of not only their money but also time lately, has not been up to par. The biggest complaint that I hear is that the players have become not a VOL, but as a free agent at any time they feel like it, leave at any time they want., and not participate in a bowl game if they don't want to. Major changes are needed in college football, if the fan and booster is going to stick around.

I hate hearing this, but see and feel the same way. The average fan is being slighted. The act of supporting your favorite player by going to buy one of their jerseys with their name on the back is now gone. Jeez, the NFL has contracts with their players for multi-years and are written to enhance the team, not the player in most respects. Free agency was great for the NFL, but the way college football is, it is not even close. The advent of NIL in college football was a great idea. But the rules are becoming a disaster for the average fan. TIME FOR SOME MAJOR CHANGES!!

All true. If a booster is only looking at championships as a result, the ROI hasn’t been there since 1998. The current situation with constant demands for more money to buy recruits and prevent current players from leaving in the portal certainly has to be taxing on the average booster. Big money boosters can handle it but I’m sure the average booster is really having to weigh the investment. No surprise to me.

 

[GetEmVols]

I know I will never buy a jersey with another man’s name on it ever again. Was kinda weird anyway in hindsight

 

[Clad in Big Orange]

Players, coaches, administrators have all forgotten that they don't have anything without us. The more the game goes this way, and the more conferences, coaches, ADs, and players nickel and dime in the name of "winning" the more regular people like you and me start to ask what a win is worth.

I'd never have thought I'd say this in my life, but my level of care is decreasing significantly (and we're a darn good program!). Whether that's age, life circumstances, or the fact that this sport just isn't recognizable, I don't know, but I know I'm not really alone.

My sentiments exactly!

 

[Delmar]

Players, coaches, administrators have all forgotten that they don't have anything without us. The more the game goes this way, and the more conferences, coaches, ADs, and players nickel and dime in the name of "winning" the more regular people like you and me start to ask what a win is worth.

I'd never have thought I'd say this in my life, but my level of care is decreasing significantly (and we're a darn good program!). Whether that's age, life circumstances, or the fact that this sport just isn't recognizable, I don't know, but I know I'm not really alone.

You are not alone. I’m right there with you and I’ve been going to Vol games for nigh on 60 years. Remain interested but certainly not as wound up in them as I used to be.

 

[37620VOL]

I'm not sure what is the hold up on 4 year solid contracts?

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

If the big money leaves, it's good for the game. Market correction is a normal thing.

It won't bring back the pre-NIL, sit a year transfer rules but it will lead to less value for the players in the market.

It's not a sad thing to see, actually.

 

[Voltopia]

Yep. It's a simple equation. If I know the players and the coaches aren't fully invested, them I'm not fully invested either.

Either the sign "I Will Give My All For Tennessee" means something, or it doesn't. And if it doesn't, then what the hell is the point to begin with?

 

[ButchPlz]

Yep. It's a simple equation. If I know the players and the coaches aren't fully invested, them I'm not fully invested either.

Either the sign "I Will Give My All For Tennessee" means something, or it doesn't. And if it doesn't, then what the hell is the point to begin with?

The scariest part for the greedy ADs and conference guys should be what happens when people ask that question about the whole sport? You bleed the rock too dry and people start getting irritated. We're already getting there.

I mean FFS, Notre Dame opted out of a bowl like spoiled little children. You think that didn't piss off some, or most, of their fans, whether they thought they deserved a playoff spot or not? What happens when that snubbing of the people that pay to watch you play becomes the norm?

 

[SpookyAction]

Major League Baseball did very well crapping on their fans and daring them to stop watching. I don't know anyone gung-ho over MLB baseball in 2025 and teams have multiplied their earnings.

So a sport succeeding after leaving their fans behind is doable. They just monetize every aspect of the stadium and online experience. There have been bigger TV (record streaming) ratings with the pitch clock and speeding the game up, but the revolving rosters (just like CFB now) make me care less about spending my valuable time watching it anymore.

 

[Shirleyudontmeanthat]

The current way is simply unsustainable. I don’t blame the players for getting paid. For over 95% this will be all they ever get pay for play. BUT having watched our D this year lack of effort to simply tackle…. The boo carters of the world I am done. Has to be some repercussions to no effort , refuse to play etc

And gone to a game in last 2-4 years? It’s not just expensive, it’s vacation level expensive

 

[BreatheUT]

If we're talking about this then so are fans and boosters of other programs.

Actually I've read others complain about the poison pill college sports has become. Those that aren't typically bothered are the ones who are not typically donating or going to games but like to discuss how to spend more.

 

[ButchPlz]

The current way is simply unsustainable. I don’t blame the players for getting paid. For over 95% this will be all they ever get pay for play. BUT having watched our D this year lack of effort to simply tackle…. The boo carters of the world I am done. Has to be some repercussions to no effort , refuse to play etc

And gone to a game in last 2-4 years? It’s not just expensive, it’s vacation level expensive

I live about 4 hours away from Knoxville, and have lived in the recent past closer to 8 hours away. Between gas, lodging, tickets, etc. I could fly to Spain for a weeklong trip for the same price as a game. No brainer.

 

[Delmar]

Major League Baseball did very well crapping on their fans and daring them to stop watching. I don't know anyone gung-ho over MLB baseball in 2025 and teams have multiplied their earnings.

So a sport succeeding after leaving their fans behind is doable. They just monetize every aspect of the stadium and online experience. There have been bigger TV (record streaming) ratings with the pitch clock and speeding the game up, but the revolving rosters (just like CFB now) make me care less about spending my valuable time watching it anymore.

I haven’t watched a complete baseball game since the first strike and can’t really name any current players outside of recent Vols that have made the league. MLB holds absolutely zero interest with me anymore.

 

[Voltopia]

Major League Baseball did very well crapping on their fans and daring them to stop watching. I don't know anyone gung-ho over MLB baseball in 2025 and teams have multiplied their earnings.

So a sport succeeding after leaving their fans behind is doable. They just monetize every aspect of the stadium and online experience. There have been bigger TV (record streaming) ratings with the pitch clock and speeding the game up, but the revolving rosters (just like CFB now) make me care less about spending my valuable time watching it anymore.

It's absolutely do-able, as long as it's operated as an entirely commercial product similar to the professional leagues.

But as I've said, in such a scenario, the teams should be completely severed from their college associations and identities. No more college branding, no more college anything. You want to go run off and play pro league, then go run off and play pro league, and let the colleges get back to operating college sports. No more taxpayer/donation funded stadiums, no more fees, no more school support, no more housing. Put on your pro sport big boy pants and handle it yourself.

I'll tell you another dirty secret too - I'll be just as happy supporting Tennessee after that exodus, as I would before this mess really got out of hand. And I wouldn't be the only one. Because at the end of the day, it's about Tennessee, the school, succeeding in collegiate competitions with other schools. What is it some people like to say? "It's not about the name on the back of the jersey, it's about the name on the front." That's damn right.

 

[ButchPlz]

I haven’t watched a complete baseball game since the first strike and can’t really name any current players outside of recent Vols that have made the league. MLB holds absolutely zero interest with me anymore.

MLB's become a fun thing to go attend a couple times a year only because I work in DC a week every month, nothing more.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Hey . It's the College football playoff time and meaningless college football bowl participation (or lack of) trophy time. WEEEEEEEEE!!!

Over the last few weeks and during the holidays, I have been lucky enough to be around some major and intermediate VOL boosters. And the conversation is definitely about the future of college football, the money being spent on players, collectives, players opting out of bowl games, replacing coaches, etc, etc etc. After listening intently and with little participation by myself, but as a lover of UT football and UT graduate, I came away with some real concerns as a fan myself. The major thing I came away from this interaction was that the college football fan is being slighted and ignored in this whole scheme of things of this new era of college football. I was totally surprised by the talk of most of these boosters and supporters planning not to even go to the bowl game in Nashville. Not only that, that they are now re=thinking the kind of financial support they have given historically, including the ownership of boxes in Neyland Stadium. Yes, Yes, they all have the money to contribute, but feel like their return on their investment of not only their money but also time lately, has not been up to par. The biggest complaint that I hear is that the players have become not a VOL, but as a free agent at any time they feel like it, leave at any time they want., and not participate in a bowl game if they don't want to. Major changes are needed in college football, if the fan and booster is going to stick around.

I hate hearing this, but see and feel the same way. The average fan is being slighted. The act of supporting your favorite player by going to buy one of their jerseys with their name on the back is now gone. Jeez, the NFL has contracts with their players for multi-years and are written to enhance the team, not the player in most respects. Free agency was great for the NFL, but the way college football is, it is not even close. The advent of NIL in college football was a great idea. But the rules are becoming a disaster for the average fan. TIME FOR SOME MAJOR CHANGES!!

Players are pretty much free agents now, but the administrators and coaches set the bar. They’re in it for the massive wealth and not the love of the institution. The days of Johnny Majors, Bob Woodruff, George Cafego, and Phil Fulmer are long gone. Now it’s chasing 7 and 8 figure salaries and 9 and 10 figure wealth creation that is the primary motivation.

 

[Delmar]

MLB's become a fun thing to go attend a couple times a year only because I work in DC a week every month, nothing more.

Used to drive to St Louis to see the Cards a decent amount but gave that up long ago.

 

[Delmar]

It's absolutely do-able, as long as it's operated as an entirely commercial product similar to the professional leagues.

But as I've said, in such a scenario, the teams should be completely severared from their college associations and identities. No more college branding, no more college anything. You want to go run off and play pro league, then go run off and play pro league, and let the colleges get back to operating college sports. No more taxpayer/donation funded stadiums, no more frees, no more school support, no more housing. Put on your pro sport big boy pants and handle it yourself.

I'll tell you another dirty secret too - I'll be just as happy supporting Tennessee after that exodus, as I would before this mess really got out of hand. And I wouldn't be the only one. Because at the end of the day, it's about Tennessee, the school, succeeding in collegiate competitions with other schools. What is it some people like to say? "It's not about the name on the back of the jersey, it's about the name on the front." That's damn right.

I agree for the most part but I just don’t see the universities allowing themselves to be separated from the money train. It’s just too lucrative. Certainly a dilemma.

 

[Volosaurus rex]

For many of us who have devoted a lifetime, in terms of loyalty to, and financial support of, a particular university and its athletic programs, the depth of mercenary, fly-by-night greed now exhibited by players is utterly contemptible. All parties concerned need to realize that, as much as we enjoy watching college athletics, we really can survive without it. If fans walk away en masse, intercollegiate athletics will slowly wither on the vine and, with it, their pipeline to professional sports.

 

[Delmar]

Players are pretty much free agents now, but the administrators and coaches set the bar. They’re in it for the massive wealth and not the love of the institution. The days of Johnny Majors, Bob Woodruff, George Cafego, and Phil Fulmer are long gone. Now it’s chasing 7 and 8 figure salaries and 9 and 10 figure wealth creation that is the primary motivation.

I got no beef with the players reaping some benefit for their labor. They deserve some of the pie. But the system has run amok and frankly I’m not sure how to get some semblance of control in it.

 

[kckempf]

Hey . It's the College football playoff time and meaningless college football bowl participation (or lack of) trophy time. WEEEEEEEEE!!!

Over the last few weeks and during the holidays, I have been lucky enough to be around some major and intermediate VOL boosters. And the conversation is definitely about the future of college football, the money being spent on players, collectives, players opting out of bowl games, replacing coaches, etc, etc etc. After listening intently and with little participation by myself, but as a lover of UT football and UT graduate, I came away with some real concerns as a fan myself. The major thing I came away from this interaction was that the college football fan is being slighted and ignored in this whole scheme of things of this new era of college football. I was totally surprised by the talk of most of these boosters and supporters planning not to even go to the bowl game in Nashville. Not only that, that they are now re=thinking the kind of financial support they have given historically, including the ownership of boxes in Neyland Stadium. Yes, Yes, they all have the money to contribute, but feel like their return on their investment of not only their money but also time lately, has not been up to par. The biggest complaint that I hear is that the players have become not a VOL, but as a free agent at any time they feel like it, leave at any time they want., and not participate in a bowl game if they don't want to. Major changes are needed in college football, if the fan and booster is going to stick around.

I hate hearing this, but see and feel the same way. The average fan is being slighted. The act of supporting your favorite player by going to buy one of their jerseys with their name on the back is now gone. Jeez, the NFL has contracts with their players for multi-years and are written to enhance the team, not the player in most respects. Free agency was great for the NFL, but the way college football is, it is not even close. The advent of NIL in college football was a great idea. But the rules are becoming a disaster for the average fan. TIME FOR SOME MAJOR CHANGES!!

For the regular fan not much has changed. I know a lot of folks want to pin high ticket prices on the players, but it's very clearly a case of supply and demand for us. The boosters are pissed, but the reason is pretty transparent: the price of players is so high that it diminishes the influence of boosters who used to be able to have big influence over a team for a relatively low price. When the players gain power at the expense of the boosters, of course the boosters are pissed.