The Alabama football
NIL budget has grown by leaps and bounds since Name, Image and Likeness laws took root all over the country in the summer of 2021.
But exactly how much money has been committed to Crimson Tide
players? That's never been clear until Thursday, when former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban detailed the year-over-year budget.
Advertisement
Aggregately, try $33 million to date, and rising fast.
Saban, who appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday
, said Alabama
's 2024 team pulled in $13 million.
"Like the first year (2021), we had name, image and likeness four, five years ago, we had $3 million. And everybody was happy," Saban said. "The next year it was $7 (million). The next year it's $10 (million). And then this year it's $13 (million). Now we're looking at $20 (million). Where does it end?"
That's a four-year total of $33 million, as estimated by the legendary coach, with significant year-over-year increases. Alabama finished outside the College Football Playoff's inaugural 12-team field this season, and will face Michigan
in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Dec. 31.
Advertisement
Saban didn't specify why $20 million might be a benchmark for 2025, but he was likely referring to Ohio State
, where athletic director Ross Bjork has said the commitment to the Buckeyes' 2024 team was "around" $20 million.
That team has reached the College Football Playoff as the No. 8 seed, and will play at home on Saturday in a first-round game against Tennessee
.
MILLER TIME: Alabama football RB Jam Miller makes decision on early NFL draft entry
BOOKER ON FUTURE: Why Tyler Booker sees 'very bright' future for Alabama football offensive line
Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News:
Alabama football NIL budget in first four years unveiled by Nick Saban
