‘There’s no transparency’: Izzo lays into NIL money in college basketball

BUFFALO, NY – Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo has never been one to withhold criticism, and he had a lot to say about the state of college basketball ahead of the Spartans’ 28th straight NCAA tournament appearance Wednesday. Izzo was asked up-front by Syracuse.com reporter Mike Waters about how much money it takes to be successful at the Power Four level. “You know, I’ve answered a lot of questions about the NIL, and what I’m most disappointed in is there’s no transparency,” he said. “I’m hoping that somehow, some way, it’s going to get back. Players deserve to make some money, and I’m happy about that, but fanbases and administrators and universities deserve to be able to have it somewhat at an even keel.” Izzo then credited his own success - 2026 marked the team’s 28th straight NCAA tournament - to building a program that went beyond aggressive recruiting. “We’ve had two phenomenal years. It’s got to do with the Jimmies and the Joes that you recruit, that you retain and that you build around,” he said. “Does it always help to have more money? Sure,” Izzo said. “But if that’s the only thing that matters, I think there’ll be a lot more of the guys that left that’ll be leaving, including me, because that’s not what it’s all about.” NIL money wasn’t the only divisive topic on tap Wednesday: while his players’ first impressions of Buffalo mostly lamented on the frigid weather, Izzo - a Northern Michigan native - had a different perspective: “Weather’s fine by me,” he joked. “I don’t have to worry about my guys at the beach or anything... To me, this is home. I just got 31 inches of snow where I’m from.”