Athletes are basically salespersons for the universities and merchandise, so yes, they are paid by commission. Exceptional salespersons (and high-paid athletes

Athletes are basically salespersons for the universities and merchandise, so yes, they are paid by commission. Exceptional salespersons (and high-paid athletes are exceptional) can earn big money, this is normal. I don't know why athletes even sell. Here in Europe, there are barely any college teams, they are unknown and not considered to be any decisive factors in choosing the college/university. So, our athletes are not particularly well paid. Cultural differences.