In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are transforming the financial landscape for college athletes, track and field star Masai Russell is shining a light on the sport’s economic reality. The hurdles specialist, who has seen immense success on the track, recently opened up about the difficulties of making a living in a sport that doesn’t come with the big contracts often seen in football or basketball. Russell’s candid remarks highlight the financial struggle faced by many athletes in niche sports and how NIL opportunities are providing some relief, though the challenges remain.
Masai Russell has made a name for herself as one of the top athletes in collegiate track and field. Competing at the University of Kentucky, Russell’s performances in the 400-meter hurdles and other events have earned her national recognition. Yet, despite her athletic prowess and accomplishments, she’s quick to acknowledge that the financial rewards from track and field don’t always match the level of dedication and talent athletes put into the sport
In a recent interview, Russell expressed frustration with the financial limitations in track and field, describing it as “not a high-paying sport.” Unlike sports like football and basketball, which offer lucrative professional contracts and endorsement deals, track and field athletes often struggle to find financial stability even at the professional level.
Track and field, while one of the oldest and most respected Olympic sports, lacks the mainstream visibility and commercial success of the major American sports leagues. With fewer opportunities for sponsorships, endorsements, and substantial prize money, many athletes must rely on modest stipends or pursue additional careers to support themselves financially.
“There’s no million-dollar contracts coming out of track and field,” Russell said, pointing to the stark difference between her sport and others. Even top-tier athletes in track often earn far less than their counterparts in the NFL, NBA, or MLB, despite the grueling training regimens and international competition they face.
The introduction of NIL opportunities for collegiate athletes has been a game-changer for athletes in sports like track and field, where financial rewards are often slim. Russell has been among the athletes who have taken advantage of NIL deals, securing sponsorships that provide additional income and help her build a brand.
“Without NIL, I don’t know how many athletes could sustain themselves,” Russell shared. “It gives us a chance to leverage our name and platform while still in college, and for a lot of us, that’s critical.”
NIL deals have allowed track and field athletes like Russell to earn money from endorsements, social media partnerships, and appearances, providing much-needed financial support. However, while NIL has opened doors, it’s still not enough to completely close the income gap between track and field athletes and those in more commercially popular sports.
Russell is already looking ahead to life beyond track and field, knowing that the sport may not provide long-term financial security. Like many athletes in her position, she is exploring business opportunities, media appearances, and ways to expand her personal brand beyond athletics.
“Track is my passion, but I know it’s not something I can rely on forever financially,” she said. “That’s why I’m focused on creating opportunities now and building a foundation for my future, both on and off the track.”
While NIL deals have been a welcome addition for collegiate athletes, Russell believes there’s more work to be done to support athletes in sports that don’t receive as much attention or funding. She advocates for greater visibility for track and field and more opportunities for athletes to earn a fair living.
“I think there needs to be more support for athletes in track and field and other less commercial sports,” she emphasized. “We put in just as much work, and we represent our schools and countries at the highest level.