A federal judge yesterday began a final hearing in the settlement talks of three anti-trust lawsuits against the NCAA that have been combined. The outcome of the case appears to be a $2.8 Billion settlement with former players who graduated before Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) payments began in 2021, and revenue sharing with players moving forward in the form of a capped amount ($20.5 Million/year) starting in the 2025-26 academic year to be distributed to current players. Apparently a key sticking point is that the judge seems interested in placing a hard cap on roster size that would limit the practice of having a large number of ‘walk ons’ in football especially, but also basketball.

I have always been a big proponent of Amateur players getting paid. These kids are cracking their heads together and enduring injury and injury all to only get paid tuition and sometimes a small stipend. I have always advocated for them to get paid what they should, because this country is built on capitalism. Watching over the last decade the college football/basketball system morph has been a wild ride and also a good reminder that change doesn't happen in a few years.

Proposed Settlement for Revenue Sharing in College Sports Moves Forward
The latest Earthquake will see universities directly pay players, limit roster size
Professor Taylor's Two Ditches SubstackDon Taylor