The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has made a groundbreaking decision that could change the landscape of college sports in the US. After reaching an agreement with five league conferences, the NCAA has paved the way for college athletes to finally get paid.
This historic move will allow schools to pay athletes a share of the revenue generated by their sports. In addition, the deal includes a substantial $2.8 billion in damages for current and former student athletes. This settlement comes as a resolution to three separate antitrust actions against the NCAA.
While the deal still needs to be approved by the plaintiffs and a federal judge, the potential impact is significant. For years, college athletes have not received any compensation for their participation in sports. However, with this new agreement, athletes will be able to receive a portion of the revenue generated by their teams starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
The five conferences involved in the agreement will begin revenue-sharing with players, with an estimated $20 million per year or 22% of annual athletic department revenue. While the final details of the payment structure are still being worked out, this move marks a major shift in the world of college sports.
With university sports in the US being a multi-billion dollar industry, this decision could have far-reaching implications for the future of college athletics. Players, lawyers, and officials involved in the agreement have expressed excitement and optimism about the potential impact on college sports moving forward.