I think this has less to do about a period in time and more about money. This is a byproduct of many things that transpired before COVID. AAU probably soiled the quality of loyalty, team, and athlete more than anything. Our sports and federal government entities have made these activities legal since circa 2021.
Until some type of regulation (of league or legal action) comes into play, or until the market for NIL stabilizes (whether corporations determine they aren't getting an ROI, or universities/boosters can no longer shell out that level of money) I don't see this going anywhere any time soon.