In the early days of 2024, a significant shift in financial policies cast a shadow over Brigham Young University’s football program. The Royal Blue Collective, responsible for managing the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for players, introduced drastic changes that left many athletes feeling uncertain and frustrated. Instead of focusing on athletic performance or team morale, the first meeting of the season centered on money and its allocation.

The new leader of the Royal Blue Collective addressed the team with a message that would resonate throughout the year. According to defensive end Isaiah Bagnah, Min Kim, CEO of Nutricost and a BYU alumnus, emphasized that his priority was not personal finances but winning. This sentiment marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for the players, who were already grappling with delayed payments from the previous month. Many athletes found themselves scrambling to adjust their budgets as promised funds failed to materialize on time.

Following the January meeting, players faced individual renegotiations of their contracts. Top-tier players saw substantial cuts, with some starters experiencing reductions exceeding 50%. Defensive players, in particular, felt the brunt of these changes, as over 80% of them saw their compensation slashed. For walk-on players like Crew Wakley, the situation was even more challenging. Without the financial support provided by scholarships, they had to navigate the new pay structure while trying to maintain their focus on the field.

Despite the collective leaders’ reassurances that the changes were necessary for sustainability, many players felt disrespected and undervalued. The introduction of non-compete clauses further limited their ability to seek additional income opportunities. Some athletes, including Bagnah, claimed they were dismissed from the collective for attempting to broker their own NIL deals, leading to a sense of disillusionment within the team.

The financial disparities between veteran starters and highly recruited freshmen added another layer of tension. Freshmen, often signed with lucrative bonuses, sometimes earned more than seasoned players, creating a rift within the locker room. While the collective leaders defended these decisions as part of a competitive recruitment strategy, it left many players questioning their worth to the program.

Ultimately, the experience highlighted the importance of respect and transparency in collegiate athletics. Players like Bagnah and Wakley emphasized that it wasn’t just about the money; it was about being valued and treated fairly. As the team moved forward, the lessons learned from this financial upheaval underscored the need for equitable practices that honor both the athletes' contributions and the university's goals. In doing so, the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect can be preserved, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to excel.