those donating funds see a benefit beyond simple pay to play--individuals donate to CougConnect and get insider info and additional access to the teams/events; corporations fund NIL and truly believe that the player or players they support can help them increase their revenue through ads, appearances, etc. When funding is no longer connected to the actual benefit of an association with a player and their Name, Image or Likeness, it becomes basic pay to play and will be problematic for amateur athletics long term.