College Football’s Million-Dollar Question: Are Home Games Worth Sacrificing for NIL Deals?
The world of college football is on the brink of a seismic shift, and it’s not just about who wins on the field. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are transforming the game, but at what cost? Should teams trade away cherished home games for the promise of big NIL payouts? This question is sparking debates across campuses, and it’s one that Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, urges everyone to approach with caution.
Here’s the scoop: Next September 5, Baylor and Auburn will face off in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. What’s unusual? The game was originally slated to be a home game for Auburn, part of a home-and-home series that began this season with Auburn’s 38-24 victory in Waco, Texas. But instead of hosting the rematch, Auburn opted to move the game to a neutral site, allowing organizers to secure lucrative NIL deals for their players—reportedly up to $8 million in revenue, according to an On3 report.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Auburn coach Hugh Freeze argues that this move benefits everyone. ‘In a lot of ways, it may be cheaper for our fans,’ Freeze said during the SEC coaches teleconference. ‘Hotel rooms and other expenses are often more affordable in Atlanta than in Auburn on game weekends.’ He added, ‘The bottom line is, what’s best for building and retaining our roster? This move is a step in the right direction.’
Yet, Kirby Smart isn’t so sure. ‘You’ve got to be careful,’ Smart warned. ‘You’re balancing two priorities: generating revenue for your players, which is vital, and keeping your fanbase engaged—the season ticket holders, alumni, and community members who make your program thrive.’ Smart’s concern isn’t hypothetical; Georgia has long grappled with similar decisions, such as playing their annual neutral-site game against Florida in Jacksonville, which sacrifices a home game and a valuable recruiting weekend.
And this is the part most people miss: The Auburn-Baylor game in Atlanta isn’t just a one-off experiment. It’s a sign of things to come. LSU coach Brian Kelly confirmed that discussions are already underway about creative ways to funnel money into NIL deals, including potential ‘NIL taxes’ on hotels and other game-related expenses. ‘Once we opened this box,’ Kelly said, ‘all these options become fiduciary decisions for the administration.’
Kelly also pointed out that whether teams play at neutral sites or find ways to incorporate NIL opportunities into home games, the money ultimately comes from the same revenue pool. ‘It’s about redirecting funds,’ he explained. ‘This gives programs another option when deciding between a home game and a neutral site.’
Not everyone is on board, though. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin prefers to keep home games where they belong. ‘Our home games mean a lot to our fans and our community,’ Kiffin said. ‘I wouldn’t want to take that away. NIL dollars aren’t the answer to everything.’
Meanwhile, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops applauds the creativity. ‘Good for Baylor and Auburn,’ he said. ‘They’re thinking outside the box to help their players. We should all be looking for ways to do the same.’
So, what do you think? Is sacrificing home games for NIL deals a smart move, or are programs risking the very traditions that make college football special? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is just getting started.
