They are getting an college education free. How much is that worth? $20-50k per yr.?
If they want to be paid, pay them. Then charge them the going rate to go to college.
One other point. Many of them would never pass any scholastic entry requirement.
If you ask me they make out pretty well.
Don’t forget the specific, individual training in their selected sport, and the commensurate life growth that such instruction from highly successful coaches would yield. Imagine the cost of their training under a $200k coach in the private sector.