Saturday Headlines: New Era of College Sports Begins

Good morning, BBN!

To no one’s surprise, College Athletics has had another monumental moment that will change its future. This time, it may actually provide real structure for the future.

A federal judge has officially approved the $2.8 billion settlement in House v. NCAA, paving the way for a seismic shift in college sports.

Starting in July 2025, Division I schools will be allowed to pay athletes directly, with an annual cap of $20.5 million per school. That number will gradually increase each year.

The money is expected to primarily benefit football and men’s basketball players, although all sports are included in the distribution formula.

The settlement also covers retroactive compensation. Nearly $2.8 billion will be paid out to former college athletes from 2016 to 2024, covering the period before the NIL rules were implemented. These payments will be funded in part by the NCAA and power conferences, including the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

A new oversight body, the College Sports Commission, will be created to monitor compliance. Additionally, a Deloitte-managed NIL clearinghouse called “NIL Go” will review all NIL deals worth over $600 to ensure they reflect fair market value. Non-compliant deals could jeopardize an athlete’s eligibility.

The agreement also introduces roster changes. Sports like baseball will face scholarship and roster reductions beginning in 2026. However, “Designated Student-Athletes” impacted by these cuts will be given the option to transfer without penalty or return to their original teams.

This signals a new era. The Cats will now compete in a landscape where direct athlete compensation is not only allowed but expected.

I believe this marks the official transition from College Athletics to a Professional League, primarily for College Football and College Men’s Basketball.

What do you think about this change?

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Baller!

Headlines

Judge OK’s $2.8B settlement, paving way for colleges to pay athletes – ESPN

More context on the ruling.

Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau over Jalen Brunson’s usage, schematic shortcomings during NBA playoffs, per report – CBS Sports

Don’t love it, but can understand it.

Shaquille O’Neal insists ‘Inside the NBA’ won’t change at ESPN: ‘Chuck’s not changing, I’m not changing’ – Yahoo Sports

We’ll see.

2025 USA Swimming Championships: Katie Ledecky golden again in 400m free – Olympics.com

What a GOAT.

Texas beats Texas Tech in WCWS Game 3 for 1st softball title – ESPN

Electric run for the Longhorns.

2025 RBC Canadian Open: Rory McIlroy admits he’s ‘concerned’ after missed cut in final start before U.S. Open – CBS Sports

It’s been quite the slide since the Master’s for Rory McIlroy.

California high school sprinter stripped of state title due to ‘unsportsmanlike’ fire-extinguisher celebration – Yahoo Sports

This seems ridiculous.

Sinner tops Djokovic, advances to French Open final – ESPN

The No. 1 player in the world showed why it’s his time against one of the greatest of all time.

College sports power conferences hire MLB exec to serve in CEO role after House v. NCAA settlement approval – CBS Sports

Love this move.

Ariarne Titmus: ‘I know that the LA Olympics will be my last’ – NBC Sports

Go out on top!