Amateurism in college sports has all but disappeared. The speed at which the landscape has changed could give even the most die-hard fan whiplash.
In a new ESPN E60 special, “Paid to Play: Understanding College Sports in 2025,” Jeremy Schaap delves into how the idea of playing for school pride, tradition and the love of the game has morphed into a high-stakes name, image and likeness marketplace where athletes can play for the highest bidder — receiving direct payments from schools — and have the freedom to bolt through free agency in the form of the NCAA transfer portal.
Here are key facts about the new ESPN E60 special:
When will ‘Paid to Play: Understanding College Sports in 2025’ air?
The one-hour report debuts Sunday, Dec. 28, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
How can fans watch?
Fans can watch the debut on ESPN. The program will be available in the ESPN App immediately following the television premiere. Watch it and other reports in the E60 streaming hub.
Do you have what it takes to be an AD?
Related to the subject of the new E60 special, ESPN has an original interactive game that puts fans in the role of a college athletic director, guiding them through decisions around name, image and likeness, the transfer portal and more, and offering a dynamic and engaging look at the ever-evolving landscape of college sports.
What is ESPN E60?
Founded in 2007, E60 is ESPN’s storytelling brand that features a mix of revealing profiles, hard-hitting investigations and exclusive interviews. It has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Hosted Edited Series for the fifth time in 2025.
How can fans access more college sports coverage from ESPN?
Check out the ESPN college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college sports hub pages for more content.
