Both members and others who don’t understand that athletics at BYU are funded as an auxiliary budget. They wonder how athletics fit into the mission of the church.

First, paying students happens all the time. These are students who happen to be athletes, who under new rules not only can be paid via NIL, but must be paid a revenue share they help create for the university. Some students because of their demonstrated academic capabilities earn major scholarships and grants, and they benefit from their relationship with the brand and reputation of BYU. I was paid to do economic research led by a U of Chicago Nobel economist who contracted with BYU and its students. Didn’t get me a BMW, but it paid my tuition and helped me get on a great career and grad school trajectory. Star PhD students at colleges get major grants for research, they pay the university a share for its role and facilities used. Money may not be equal but the symbiosis of students and universities exists in lots of fashions. The amount of money being paid to student athletes irks some people but that they are paid shouldn’t be a problem at all. 

Second, some student athletes get paid a lot. Top performers in any industry command economic rents or above average returns. Why? They also generate above average performance and returns. Unlike the pros college is a challenge because there still isn’t enough data about these athletes to say they are “one and done” even though everyone likes to claim it. Every once in a while there is someone that comes along and it is clear: Lebron, Kevin Garnett, etc. But no one saw Steph Curry in HS and said “one and done”. Most superstars take years to emerge. But colleges now have to pay kids with less data available and currently there is a wide open, funky market with the transfer portal looming all the time. Nevertheless, coaches, administrators, donors, other funding mechanisms will flow funds to athletes who show the most promise to deliver above market performance and returns. 

Third, the BYU way. Every org should focus on the fit of people joining it. BYU is especially focused on its mission and purpose and thus won’t sign anyone for big money, but rather the kids who want to come to BYU because of BYU…and they happen to get paid. BYU is looking for kids who either abide the rules (good), or align with the mission (better), but the best fit are those who amplify the mission, purpose, economics of BYU. Elder Gilbert of course addressed the importance of fit and and purpose.https://www.cougarboard.com/board/message.html?id=34010752 

Fourth, tithing isn't used for sports. The Church supports the operating budget of BYU, and some specific approved projects and buildings. BYU is operated very efficiently and frugally vs other universities. Athletes do benefit from the universisty a students and because of the brand and purpose it has built over the years, but athletics operates its own P&L, carefully overseen by BYU administration.