Academics is paying for athletics.

Time Money reports.

Why Students Are the Biggest Losers in Today’s College Bowl Games

Win Big. Lose Big.

That could be the epitaph for this year’s college football bowl games. For three weeks starting on December 19, American viewers had the opportunity to gorge on 40 televised games, most of which turned out to be empty calories.

The 41st game—for the national championship this Monday night—features Clemson versus Alabama. Regardless of the scoreboard, both teams will be winners in fame and fortune. Their conferences will get a good share of what could be $500 million in payouts. Last year’s championship drew about 33.4 million television fans.