A Top LDS Church Official Said BYU Sports Would Never ‘Pay for Play.’ Then Came Millions More in Athletics Spending
In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, the intersection of faith, finances, and competitive pressure has become a focal point for Brigham Young University. Years ago, a top official from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—BYU’s sponsoring institution—made it clear that the university would never enter the murky waters of “pay for play.” At the time, the statement reflected both the church’s values and BYU’s longstanding emphasis on amateurism, discipline, and honor. But in 2025, the reality looks far more complicated.
The advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities across the NCAA has dramatically shifted the recruiting and retention landscape. Schools that once operated on leaner budgets or values-based approaches have been compelled to keep pace with the nation’s most powerful athletic programs. For BYU, that has meant millions more in spending to ensure its athletes and facilities remain competitive on the national stage.
In recent years, BYU’s athletic department has invested heavily in infrastructure, training resources, and athlete support. Enhanced nutrition programs, revamped practice facilities, expanded media production for exposure, and increased staffing budgets have created an environment that mirrors the ambitions of Power Five schools. While the money may not be handed directly to players in the form of salaries, the magnitude of investment undeniably reflects the shifting priorities of a program caught between principle and pragmatism.
Critics have been quick to point out the irony. “When you’re spending tens of millions annually to create advantages for your athletes, it’s hard to argue that it’s not, in some way, paying for play,” said one sports economist who tracks college athletic spending. “The money may not show up in a player’s direct deposit, but the outcome is the same—greater financial firepower leads to greater competitive advantage.”
Supporters of BYU’s approach argue otherwise. They maintain that while BYU has modernized its operations, the spending is aimed at supporting the student-athlete experience without violating the core principles outlined by church leadership. “There’s a big difference between a payroll system and investing in resources that help our athletes succeed academically, spiritually, and athletically,” noted one BYU administrator. “We’re not paying players—we’re building a program.”
The broader context adds fuel to the debate. BYU’s entry into the Big 12 Conference has raised expectations on and off the field. Competing against football powerhouses and basketball juggernauts requires a new level of commitment, not only from coaches and players but also from donors and the university itself. The financial arms race in college sports has left little room for programs to sit idle.
For the LDS Church and BYU’s administration, the challenge lies in balancing faith-based values with the economic realities of modern athletics. To remain relevant and competitive, the university has had to embrace spending practices once considered incompatible with its mission. Yet to fully honor the original vision—that athletics serve as a reflection of character and commitment rather than financial clout—BYU must walk a delicate line.
In the end, the contradiction is clear. A church leader’s declaration that BYU would never “pay for play” resonates as a noble ideal. But the millions pouring into facilities, staffing, and recruiting suggest a different reality—one where principles and pragmatism are in constant tension. For BYU, the road ahead will test not only its athletes but also its ability to reconcile faith with the demands of modern college sports.
