NCAA and Its 5 Power Conferences Agree to Deal to Let Schools Pay Players

The winds of change in college sports continues to blow. Many recall the “Reggie Bush Scandal” which now thanks to college athletes making money with NIL seems like an issue from archaic times. However, now things are being taken even a step further. The NCAA and it’s 5 power conferences have agreed to a deal that will allow schools to pay players.

To some fans this may feel like a bad move. But many others can see the positive in this decision. A lot of time and dedication goes into being an athlete playing at a high level. They must practice, workout and study strategies. All of that can be extremely tough while handling classes and schoolwork AND holding down a job to pay for various necessities.

So then, schools can now pay student athletes a little something for their efforts. And for helping to bring and keep fans in seats. A lot of schools make plenty from sports programs; and now players can get a piece of the pie. NCAA president Charlie Baker and the five power conference commissioners in a joint statement Thursday evening mention,

“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 and provide clarity in college athletics across all divisions for years to come.

This settlement is also a road map for college sports leaders and Congress to ensure this uniquely American institution can continue to provide unmatched opportunity for millions of students. All of Division I made today’s progress possible, and we all have work to do to implement the terms of the agreement as the legal process continues. We look forward to working with our various student-athlete leadership groups to write the next chapter of college sports.”

NCAA and Its 5 Power Conferences Agree to Deal to Let Schools Pay Players

Interesting. However, what does all really mean? How is it coming about… and what about past athletes who didn’t get a chance to have and enjoy such financial opportunities? According to ESPN,

“All Division I athletes dating back to 2016 are eligible to receive a share as part of the settlement class. In exchange, athletes cannot sue the NCAA for other potential antitrust violations and drop their complaints in three open cases — House v. NCAA, Hubbard v. NCAA and Carter v. NCAA.

The settlement terms must be approved by Judge Claudia Wilken, who is presiding over all three cases. That process is expected to take several months, and sources said schools likely will begin sharing revenue in fall 2025. The NCAA’s board of governors and leaders from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC and Pac-12 voted to accept the general terms laid out in a 13-page document.

The NCAA and its leagues are moving forward with a multibillion-dollar agreement to settle three pending federal antitrust cases. The NCAA will pay more than $2.7 billion in damages over 10 years to past and current athletes. Sources said the parties also have agreed to a revenue-sharing plan allowing each school to share up to roughly $20 million per year with its athletes.”

These changes are a 100 years in the making. In the near future, schools could be directly paying student athletes. Without needing to quietly “gift” or provide benefits. It will just be allowed and legal.

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