On Monday, the NCAA enacted groundbreaking rules permitting colleges to pay athletes as part of a significant lawsuit settlement, potentially changing the landscape of college sports permanently this summer.
Although these nine proposals from the NCAA board were anticipated, they represent a monumental shift. Direct compensation from universities to athletes, once forbidden, is poised to become official with the new rulebook modifications.
Before these rules can be fully implemented, they require final approval from a federal judge. A hearing earlier this month stirred discussions about possible adjustments before the anticipated launch date of July 1.
The sweeping changes proposed include the removal of approximately 150 existing rules, significantly altering the NCAA’s comprehensive rulebook, in line with the lawsuit settlement. These changes encompass:
– Adjustments to bylaws allowing direct monetary compensation from schools to athletes.
– The abolishment of scholarship caps for sports teams, replaced by new roster limits. Details surrounding these roster limits are expected to be finalized following debates from an April 7 hearing.
– Introduction of annual financial reporting obligations for schools that compensate athletes, with the payment pool slated to be around $20.5 million for larger institutions starting the next academic year.
– Establishment of a mechanism to oversee all name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements from third parties valued at $600 or more.
– Enforcement powers granted to a new authoritative body being formed by the conferences involved in the lawsuit, tasked with ensuring adherence to all new rules, including compliance with roster regulations, payment structures, and third-party deal requirements.
The NCAA ruleset also introduces technology platforms to facilitate the tracking of athlete payments and third-party NIL agreements.
Additionally, a criterion was approved requiring student-athletes to maintain full-time enrollment and be in good academic standing to qualify for these financial benefits.
Discussions from a working group aimed at refining NCAA governance were also presented, focusing on giving more decision-making power to larger conferences.