Michigan State's Tom Izzo Calls for More Transparency in College Sports NIL Era

Veteran coach says revenue-sharing and player compensation details should be public knowledge.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:24am

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Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo is calling for more transparency in college sports as the NIL (name, image, and likeness) era continues to evolve. Izzo noted key differences between the collegiate and professional games when it comes to dealing with money, including the lack of a salary cap and public disclosure of player compensation details in college sports. The veteran coach believes transparency around NIL deals, revenue-sharing, and player compensation would benefit the entire industry.

Why it matters

The rise of NIL deals and revenue-sharing in college sports has led to concerns about lack of oversight and potential exploitation of student-athletes. Izzo's call for transparency aims to address these issues and create a more equitable system that benefits all stakeholders, including coaches, administrators, and players.

The details

Izzo pointed out that in professional sports leagues like the NBA and NFL, there is transparency around player salaries due to salary caps. However, in college sports, the revenue-sharing model is different, and details around NIL deals and player compensation are not publicly disclosed. Izzo believes this lack of transparency has led to issues like 'tampering' and 'lying' in the industry. He wants to see a system where 'everybody knows what everybody's making and doing' in order to promote accountability and fairness.

  • Izzo made these comments during an interview with Dan Patrick on April 2, 2026.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head basketball coach at Michigan State University, who has led the Spartans program for over 30 years.

Ryan Day

The head football coach at Ohio State University, who recently commented on the need for college coaches to 'adapt or die' in the NIL era.

Jay Wright

The former head basketball coach at Villanova University, who retired amid the changes in college sports.

Tony Bennett

The former head basketball coach at the University of Virginia, who also retired in recent years.

College Sports Commission

An organization that has taken steps toward more transparency in the NIL era, including releasing regular reports on NIL deal flow.

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What they’re saying

“'If I looked at everything we're doing – the NIL, the tampering … the transfer portal – if I had one thing I'd like to change, it would be just transparency so we all know what everybody's making and doing, and then, we're not getting lied to by everybody. Transparency would really help the profession right now.'”

— Tom Izzo, Head Basketball Coach, Michigan State University

“'Adapt doesn't mean, all of a sudden, there's no rules. There's no accountability. What we're going through now, anytime there's a problem, just get a lawyer and fix it. I guess lawyers must be that good or judges.'”

— Tom Izzo, Head Basketball Coach, Michigan State University

What’s next

The College Sports Commission is expected to continue releasing regular reports on NIL deal flow and revenue-sharing, which could help address Izzo's call for more transparency in college sports. Additionally, the trio of journalists in Louisiana planning to sue LSU over records related to rev-share dollars could set a precedent for increased public disclosure of such financial details.

The takeaway

Tom Izzo's comments highlight the ongoing tensions and challenges facing college sports as the NIL era evolves. His call for transparency around player compensation and revenue-sharing aims to promote accountability and fairness in the system, addressing concerns about potential exploitation and lack of oversight. As the industry continues to adapt, finding the right balance between innovation and upholding core values will be crucial for the long-term health of college athletics.