United States (English)Sports aren't just about the game anymore. From paychecks to politics, athletes are facing off on a whole new playing field. As their influence grows, so do the debates surrounding their roles and rights.
The roles and rights of college and professional athletes are up for debate.
A recent Ipsos market research poll dives deep into what Americans think about these hot-button topics. Should college athletes be able to profit from their fame? And what about athletes taking a stand on social and political issues?
In this Ipsos iSay article, we'll break down the latest findings to see where public opinion stands on these important questions.
Support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Deals for College Athletes
College athletes have long been at the center of a debate over fair compensation. With the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, this conversation has reached new heights.
Here's what Americans think about college athletes getting paid for their sports-related business ventures.
Public Support for NIL Deals
It’s official: most Americans approve of college athletes cashing in on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). A solid 56% support this move. People are finally recognizing that college athletes may deserve a piece of the pie from sports-related business ventures using their NIL.
Positive Impact on College Athletics
Even better, a majority (61%) of Americans think NIL deals are a win for college sports. This is up from 57% in 2023, showing a growing belief that fair compensation is a game-changer for athletes.
About a third of Americans (35%) worry it might give some schools a competitive edge, but most folks see the benefits outweighing the drawbacks.
Should college athletes be eligible for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals?
Athlete Neutrality on Social and Political Issues
Athletes are often seen as role models and public figures, which brings up the question: should they take a stand on social and political issues?
The public is divided on this matter, and opinions vary widely across different demographics.
Let’s explore the nuances of this debate and see what the numbers reveal.
Public Opinion on Athlete Neutrality
When it comes to social and political issues, opinions are all over the place. About a third of Americans (36%) say athletes should stay neutral on social topics, while just under half (45%) disagree.
It’s a similar story for political issues, with 39% for neutrality and 42% against. Athletes may be facing a complex decision between speaking out and remaining silent.
Demographic Differences
Age plays a big role in opinions on this topic. Americans over age 55 are more likely to want athletes to keep quiet on political (47%) and social (43%) issues. Those who are aged 18-34 are less keen on neutrality, with only 29% agreeing that athletes should abstain from speaking out on political and social issues alike. This may suggest a generational shift towards more outspoken athletes.
Political Affiliation Impact
Politics definitely affects these opinions. Republicans are more likely than Democrats and independents to prefer athlete neutrality. This divide may highlight how deeply personal and political values influence views on athlete activism.
Should athletes take public stances on social and political issues?
Standing by Their Stance
Here’s something we can agree on: if athletes do take a stand, 61% of Americans say they should stand firm on their beliefs, even if there is backlash.
Democrats are more supportive of this than Republicans and independents, but overall, authenticity and conviction in athletes are valued across the board.
How Do You View These Issues?
So, what does this all mean? Athletes today are more than just players—they’re influencers, activists, and businesspeople. The support for NIL deals shows a positive shift towards fair compensation, while the mixed feelings on social and political issues reflect the complexity of their roles.
As the sports world evolves, these insights highlight the balancing act athletes face in meeting expectations both on and off the field. What’s your take on these issues? Share your thoughts and join the conversation when you participate in research with Ipsos iSay. Check your dashboard for new studies every day!
The Ipsos research shared in this article has been sourced from:
https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/four-five-americans-believe-sporting-events-are-too-expensive
