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NCAA Reaches Historic $2.8 Billion House Settlement to Pay Athletes, Introduces Revenue-Sharing

May 24, 2024, 04:57 PM

The NCAA has reached a historic settlement in the House v. NCAA case, marking a significant shift in college sports. The settlement, which includes $2.8 billion in back pay and a new revenue-sharing model, will allow schools to directly compensate athletes for the first time. This agreement, pending judicial approval, aims to address long-standing issues regarding athlete compensation and could reshape the governance, enforcement, and scholarship structures within major college athletics. Key stakeholders, including the Power Five conferences, have endorsed the settlement, which also raises questions about Title IX compliance and the distribution of funds. The settlement is expected to provide $1-$1.5 billion annually to athletes from Power Four revenue sharing. Despite the monumental changes, many details remain unresolved, including the impact on non-revenue sports and smaller schools, the employment question, and the future of NIL collectives. The NCAA is seeking Congress's involvement to avoid further litigation, and the Fontenot case may also play a significant role moving forward.