Huge News for College Sports
By: Staff Report May 23, 2024

Huge news for college sports, and its future, came on Thursday.

The NCAA and the five power conferences have agreed to let schools pay players directly — a first in college sports history.

The NCAA will pay over $2.7 billion in damages over the next decade, according to ESPN.

Here’s more details on the breaking news, via ESPN’s Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel:

The NCAA and its leagues are planning to alert plaintiffs’ attorneys Thursday that they are prepared to move forward with a multibillion-dollar agreement to settle three pending federal antitrust cases, sources told ESPN. The NCAA will pay more than $2.7 billion in damages over 10 years to past and current athletes, according to sources. 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.

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.

Per ESPN, the terms of the settlement have to be approved by Judge Claudia Wilken — a process that is expected to take several months — and ESPN reported that schools will likely start sharing revenue in the fall of 2025.

Following is a statement on the settlement from the NCAA:

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!