Well. If the student athlete is on full scholarship, then they ARE getting paid. They get a free college education. (If they take advantage. )
But yes, lots of money is made by college football, basketball, and baseball. And only because of the athletes.
It’s also an audition of sorts for the pros. If the athletes wish to go pro. They get a chance to showcase their skills,to determine their value in the pros. In the process, most are coached, conditioned, and medically cared for by the best.
When they go pro, most can thank their college years for their spot they are selected in that sport’s draft.
There’s little argument that ,after a few years in college , an athlete isn’t usually stronger, better conditioned, better at their craft, smarter, better understanding of the sport etc.
A free college education, and free coaching, conditioning, use of facilities etc. They already get paid.
Endorsements, or injury settlements I would be all for.
But paying them out right isn’t something that I condone.