The biggest issue I see with this, as someone mentioned on the national board, is that California just created a legalized money laundering system. What’s stopping Big Booster A for School X from buying up 7,000 jerseys of a kid? Or “I’ll pay you $200,000 to appear in my commercial, as long as you come to School Y.” Of course the latter would be under the table, but this isn’t just for some equally distributed amount of cash for a EA Sports game. This will get abused so easily and quickly.
And, as stated, this gives the biggest brands a *huge* advantage. If you’re a student-athlete, you’re now going to whichever school has the farthest-reaching brand and the most alums/fans. More people are going to want to buy your jersey, autograph, etc. at USC than at San Diego State.