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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the House v. NCAA lawsuit about?
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House v. NCAA is an antitrust case alleging the NCAA and its member schools illegally prevented student-athletes from earning money through their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The resulting settlement provides:
- $2.8 billion in payments to former Division I athletes
- A framework for schools to share revenue directly with student-athletes in the future
Will college athletes automatically get paid to play now?
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Possibly, but it depends on the school. Starting July 1, 2025, institutions can choose to distribute up to $20.5 million annually among their student-athletes, with that amount projected to rise about 4% per year.
- Each school will determine how that money is divided
- Football and basketball athletes are expected to get the biggest share
- Other sports—such as swimming, softball, or track—may receive much smaller amounts, sometimes only a few hundred thousand dollars spread across an entire roster
Is this the final change, or will there be more adjustments?
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More changes are expected. This settlement is only a first step, and many specifics remain unsettled. Additional legal challenges are also likely:
- The payment “cap” could be challenged in court if it's viewed as unreasonably restrictive
- Families should be prepared for shifts in recruiting practices, roster management, and scholarship structures over the coming years
Who qualifies under this settlement?
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The agreement applies to all Division I student-athletes who:
- Competed on or after June 15, 2020
- Or will compete any time through June 5, 2035
This includes current middle school, high school, and postgraduate athletes who aim to play Division I sports.
Will every college be required to follow these new rules?
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- Power 5 programs, along with Notre Dame, are obligated to adopt the new model
- Other Division I schools have the choice to opt in
- Division II and Division III programs are not yet included, though similar reforms could eventually reach those levels
What happens if a student-athlete lost their spot because of these changes?
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If a school reduced roster spots to prepare for the settlement:
- It must offer those positions back to affected athletes
- Those athletes will not count against the team's roster limits
- Nonetheless, coaches still decide if a student-athlete fits their program and can choose who to keep on the team
What other changes are coming with this settlement?
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- The NCAA will repeal 150 outdated rules to modernize benefits for athletes
- Enforcement will be overseen by the new College Sports Commission
- NILgo, a technology system, will help track and verify athlete payments, ensuring compliance. Third-party NIL deals over $600 will be reviewed, with arbitration available for any disputes.
Why is this settlement seen as such a major shift for college sports?
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This agreement represents a fundamental transformation in college athletics:
- For the first time, schools will directly share revenues with athletes in a manner that resembles professional sports
- It marks a departure from the traditional amateurism model the NCAA enforced for over a century
- Alongside NIL rights and ongoing legal actions, it redefines what it means to be a student-athlete at the collegiate level
How might this settlement affect Olympic and non-revenue sports?
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While the full impact is still developing, there are key concerns:
- Schools may significantly shift their resources. As they allocate up to $20.5 million annually in revenue sharing—most likely prioritizing football and basketball—other sports could see reduced institutional support.
- Smaller or non-revenue sports might face cuts, with fewer scholarships, leaner rosters, or even program cancellations.
- Opportunities in these sports may become more limited. Although all student-athletes are technically eligible for revenue sharing, the funds available to Olympic sports will likely be far lower than for marquee programs.
- Title IX remains an important safeguard, requiring schools to maintain gender equity, but meeting those requirements while shifting resources could spark new legal and financial challenges.
How can I help maintain and expand opportunities for college athletes?
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If you’re a parent, athlete, coach, alumnus, or supporter of IMG Academy, you can help shape the future of college sports:
- Advocate for student-athletes by encouraging more opportunities, particularly in Olympic and non-revenue sports, and help others see what’s at stake
- Share this message with your network, especially with university leaders, athletic directors, coaches, or trustees. Helpful resources include:
- An Op-ed: Why Colleges Should Add Student-Athletes After House Settlement
- Tipping Point: A White Paper & Strategic Case for Adding More Student-Athletes in College
- Consider using #AddMoreAthletes when posting online
- Send a personalized letter or email to universities. We provide a template you can customize for your alma mater or any school you care about—an effective way to elevate this conversation with decision-makers.
- Keep your advocacy constructive. While progress is being made on NIL rights and revenue sharing, it’s important to ensure these advances don’t lead to lost opportunities. Promote balanced, thoughtful solutions.
- Leverage your voice. As someone connected to IMG Academy—a model many colleges look to emulate—your perspective carries real influence in this discussion.
