TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne is asking Alabama fans to fight back against competitive NIL initiatives.
One way to do so is by engaging with the University of Alabama's NIL initiative Yea Alabama, which offers a monthly or yearly subscription to fans to access video content, Crimson autographed paraphernalia and gear.
According to the site, all of the proceeds directly support student athletes at UA.
In a tweet addressing Alabama fans, Byrne said there have been drastic changes in college athletics over the past few years. CBS 42 sports analyst Scott Griffin said these changes have created more competition in recruitment and player retention.
"Gone are the days where kids want to come to Alabama and wear the crimson jerseys. They're going wherever their market value is. Problem is its free agency every year, free agency every year means chaos every year," Griffin said.
The conversation surrounding this NIL initiative is creating a mix of emotions from college sports fans.
"It sucks that it has to come to that but I feel that it is essential, it's a necessity now to rally up the fans," Alabama football fan Kash Ryan said.
"Have millions of dollars that they can donate to these players and to ask fans for money on top of it, I mean it's a farce to me," fan Max. C. Brewer said.
According to Byrne, the Yea Alabama NIL initiative is about roster retention for future seasons and keeping legends at the university.
But some fans say it will take more than subscribing to keep players on the teams.
"If you think money's going to create loyalty, you're not only already in the wrong position; you're in the wrong sport," said Brewer.