There's a reason that minor league football and basketball essentially don't exist, at least on a National scale - people don't want to watch them or attend games because the product isn't very good... College football and basketball are successful because they tie alumni (mostly) to their alma mater. There was always this "belief" that the athletes had some form of affection towards the university they played for...
There are two things at play here.
Number One is the method of how players relate to their institutions and the overall structure of league play and various levels of competition.
Number Two is the GAME itself... the court skills of the players and style of play and how the sport is being competed in general.
For me, I am most concerned with second thing. The Number One Stuff will sort itself out over time. But the Number Two stuff is what matters to me as a ball ‘purist’. I want to see guys who respect the Game and give it their all. I want to see energetic defense and crisp, well-run offense. While I enjoy the Long Ball, I do not want to see endless Threes going up like in today’s NBA. And I most certainly do not want to see guys posing and prancing around like peacocks when they make a simple good play.
Just play the game with energy and respect and good fundamentals. All the other off-court issues will resolve themselves fine as long as the soundness of how the Game is being played is well maintained.
And as far as affection for their institution... regular alums are mostly going to have most of the affection there. Players at the top level just want a shot at the Big Time and pretty much don't care which route they take to get there,
... I think it what we know and love as college football and basketball is on a downward slope with only one conclusion. That's not saying they won't exist, but it won't be college athletics any more.
It all depends on the 'affection' factor. For those who prioritize the affection thing, yes the Game in the future will lose its innocense and some of its charm.
But I think a lot of that 'charm' was just wishful thinking on the part of many alums. As I said above, I think in most cases the best athletes have looked at the college experience in one way and goal... and alums always look it another way. There will always be some percentage of athletes who do have honest affection for where they played ball. But if it comes down to getting your shot at the Big Time vs. Love for School... probably the BIg Time wins.
Non-athletes who go to an institution and live in their given State will always have a connection and loyalty to those places. That will always generate interest for them in that institution regardless of anything else going on.... or where they might move to and live (as seen by Illini Nation around the World).
For you Italy (and all others), I hope you can continue to find joy in watching the games and following your Beloved.