I understand that college football is expensive now.
I understand Georgia needs NIL money.
I understand that if you want to compete with Ohio State, Texas, Oregon and every other powerhouse throwing millions of dollars around, you have to find new ways to make money.
But come on.
Charging Georgia fans to watch the Victory Highlights?
That’s where you’ve lost me.
After Georgia destroyed Tennessee State 63-3, the football program promoted its traditional Victory Highlights video on social media.
There was just one problem.
The full video was placed behind the Glory Glory Georgia membership paywall, with access requiring a membership starting at $20 per month. It’s content Georgia fans had previously been accustomed to getting for free.
And Georgia fans absolutely hated it.
Social media immediately filled with complaints about the decision, with fans pointing out how much money they already spend on tickets, parking, concessions, merchandise and donations just to support Georgia football.
That’s why I think people are missing the point when they say, “It’s only $20.”
It isn’t about the $20.
It’s about everything in college football slowly becoming another opportunity to charge the fan.
Georgia already has one of the most financially committed fan bases in the country. The athletic department has taken in more than $300 million in contributions over the four fiscal years since NIL began, while donor fatigue has become a legitimate concern.
At some point, enough is enough.
Put exclusive interviews behind the paywall. Give subscribers behind-the-scenes documentaries. Give them recruiting content, player features or access they can’t get anywhere else.
That’s completely understandable.
But don’t take something fans have enjoyed for free and suddenly charge them for it.
The people complaining aren’t against NIL.
They’re the same people filling Sanford Stadium every Saturday and spending ridiculous amounts of money supporting this program.
Georgia wants Bulldog Nation to keep opening its wallet.
Maybe every once in a while, Georgia should give its fans something without asking them to open it first.
