Recruiting 101

The NCAA House Settlement, preliminarily approved on October 7th, introduces a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model poised to reshape Division I college athletics. Starting July 2025, student-athletes at Power Conference schools will receive up to 22% of annual revenue, capped at $20.5 million for the 2025-2026 season, with a 4% increase in subsequent years. Schools are bracing for financial shifts, employing strategies like increased ticket fees, corporate sponsorships, and NIL platforms to offset costs. However, the settlement’s new roster limits spark concerns, potentially cutting 4,739 Division I roster spots despite adding 790 scholarships across NCAA sports. This impacts walk-on athletes and complicates compliance with Title IX regulations. Key dates include a final approval hearing on April 7, 2025, and deadlines for athlete claims and objections. As programs and student-athletes adapt, the settlement signals a pivotal era for college athletics.