Amateurism in college sports is rapidly fading, and a new documentary from ESPN’s E60 series highlights this transformation. Titled “Paid to Play: Understanding College Sports in 2025,” the program, hosted by Jeremy Schaap, examines how the landscape has shifted from playing for school pride to a competitive environment driven by financial incentives. Athletes now have the opportunity to receive direct payments from educational institutions and can change schools easily through the NCAA transfer portal.
“Paid to Play” will debut on December 28, 2025, at 20:30 ET. Fans can watch the one-hour special on ESPN, with availability on the ESPN App immediately following its television premiere. This documentary promises to provide insights into the high-stakes world of college sports, where athletes are increasingly seen as commodities in a bustling marketplace for name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Understanding the New Landscape of College Sports
The shift to a financially motivated model has reshaped college athletics. Traditionally, athletes participated in sports for their universities out of passion and commitment to their teams. Today, the changing dynamics mean that recruitment and retention of athletes are increasingly influenced by financial offers. This transformation has led to debates about the ethics of college sports and the implications for amateurism.
In conjunction with the documentary, ESPN has created an interactive game that allows fans to step into the role of a college athletic director. This simulation guides players through the complexities of decisions related to NIL, the transfer portal, and other pressing issues in modern college athletics. It serves as a unique tool for fans to engage with the evolving landscape of sports.
The E60 Brand and Its Impact
Founded in 2007, E60 has established itself as ESPN’s premier storytelling platform, featuring in-depth profiles, investigative reporting, and exclusive interviews. Over the years, the series has garnered numerous accolades, including the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Hosted Edited Series, which it won for the fifth time in 2025.
For those interested in more comprehensive coverage of college sports, ESPN provides dedicated resources through its college football, men’s and women’s college basketball, and broader college sports hub pages. These platforms offer a wealth of information for fans eager to stay informed about their favorite teams and athletes.
As college sports continue to evolve, Jeremy Schaap’s documentary promises to be an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in understanding the future of athletics at the collegiate level.
