Earlier today, the NCAA and power conferences agreed to a settlement of three antitrust lawsuits (House, Hubbard and Carter). This agreement paves the way for expanded scholarship totals, roster caps, athlete revenue sharing and an enforcement system including arbitration. All of which will go into effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
I will break it down in more detail below. In the meantime, if we can help your school, collective or player personnel department in any way navigate this changing landscape of college recruiting and NIL please reach out.
What you need to know about today’s landmark settlement
Today’s announcement is comprised of a back-pay damages settlement of nearly $2.8 Billion to be paid to former D1 players over a 10-year period. 83% of the back pay will go to former football and men’s basketball players. Roughly $12,000 per year, per player.
Revenue sharing will now be allowed and most believe each school will have an annual “cap” of roughly $22 million (with the majority believed to be earmarked for college football) from the various TV agreements.
Roster Caps have been established in all D1 sports. Scholarships caps have also increase by over 750 total scholarships added across all sports. In the new model schools are permitted to offer a scholarship to each player on a sport’s roster up to the new roster limit.
The settlement includes lengthy language to reduce “pay for play” NIL deals. Compliance matters involving “true” NIL will now be presented to a “neutral arbiter” who will handle hearings and appeals.
For more information, please contact Bryan Bedford at 405.503.9284 or thebedfordagency@gmail.com