The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has made a historic decision that could change the landscape of college sports in the US. After reaching a deal with five league conferences, college athletes may soon be getting paid for their participation.
This ground-breaking agreement would allow schools to pay athletes a portion of the revenue generated by their sports. Additionally, the deal includes a substantial $2.8 billion in damages for current and former student athletes.
The settlement comes as a resolution to three separate antitrust actions against the NCAA. While the plaintiffs in each case still need to vote on the deal and a federal judge must approve it, the process could take months to finalize.
“The five autonomy conferences and the NCAA agreeing to settlement terms is an important step in the continuing reform of college sports that will provide benefits to student-athletes,” said a joint statement from the NCAA and conferences.
For years, college athletes did not receive any compensation, but recent changes have allowed them to profit from their name, image, or likeness. The new rules, which would see athletes paid through a portion of the revenue, are expected to take effect in the 2025-26 academic year at the earliest.
This move towards compensating college athletes marks a significant shift in the world of university sports, which generate billions of dollars in revenue each year. With the potential for athletes to receive a share of this revenue, the future of college sports could look very different in the years to come.