Sports
The $15 Billion Deal: Inside the NCAA’s Landmark Settlement and Its Impact on College Sports
In the spring of 2021, attorneys representing the NCAA appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, opposing the idea of providing each college athlete with an additional cash stipend annually. The proposed amount was $5,980. Fast forward three years, and in a monumental agreement that will reshape major college athletics, the NCAA abandoned its outdated regulations and amateurism argument, ushering in an era of direct athlete compensation. The projected sum: over $15 billion in new cash distributed to athletes over the span of a 10-year agreement.
The Decision?
This week, the NCAA and power conferences voted in favor of settling three antitrust cases (House, Hubbard, and Carter), approving terms that include nearly $2.8 billion in back damages, a future revenue-sharing model for athletes that will cost major conferences over $1 billion annually, and potential alterations to the association’s governance, enforcement, and scholarship framework.
This historic vote marks a groundbreaking shift for an organization that has long resisted direct athlete pay despite reaping billions from major football and men’s basketball programs. After nine months of negotiations with plaintiff lawyers, NCAA president Charlie Baker, and conference commissioners, the industry enters a new era aimed at bringing stability to the chaotic recruiting landscape.
Caught between amateurism and professionalism, major college sports are advancing, albeit reluctantly, into a semi-professional realm due to state laws and court rulings. While the new model still prohibits pay-for-play and booster payments, college leaders believe it will deter future legal challenges, solidify the NCAA’s influence over power leagues for another decade, and introduce more oversight to the recruiting process.
“This would be the biggest change in the history of college sports. Period,” said Gabe Feldman, a sports law professor at Tulane and a leading authority on NCAA litigation matters. “To have athletes share revenue with the schools would be not only monumental but also contrary to what the NCAA has advocated for a century.”
When Can We See The Impact?
All five power conference presidential boards—Big Ten, SEC, Pac-12, Big 12, and ACC—endorsed the settlement this week. Despite near dissolution, the Pac-12 upheld its original vote. Finalizing the settlement could take several months, requiring approval from a judge and allowing objections from individual plaintiffs, a process expected to last at least five months.
However, by the start of the 2025 fall semester—within 14 months—the new model is anticipated to be implemented, allowing schools to share revenue with athletes up to a predetermined quasi-salary cap. These revenue-sharing deals, classified as NIL agreements, will enable schools to provide funds for the use and broadcast of players’ names, images, and likenesses, a central issue in the House case. Other non-NIL forms of payments will also be permitted.
How Will it Work?
While uncertainties persist around this new system, institutions will have the option to share up to $22 million annually with athletes. This figure, subject to change, was calculated based on 22% of average power conference revenues. The cap includes exceptions, such as allocating a combined $5 million from Alston-related funds and additional scholarships toward the total.
The new model aims to eliminate scholarship restrictions while enforcing roster limits, a strategy to preempt further legal battles that could significantly increase schools’ financial aid obligations in a fiercely competitive recruiting environment.
However, this transformation comes at a steep cost—approximately $200-$300 million per school over the 10-year settlement, totaling about $15 billion among all power schools. This estimate assumes schools adhere to the revenue-distribution cap annually and expand scholarships by at least $3-5 million.
Many school administrators face sticker shock as they scramble to secure additional funds through unconventional means, such as private equity and capital. For public schools in the ACC, Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12, a $30 million annual commitment coupled with $20 million in total scholarships constitutes roughly 40-45% of the average athletic department budget.
Yet, without a settlement, college leaders risk another courtroom defeat, a $20 billion damages bill, and potential bankruptcy.
In addition to the financial overhaul, other changes are on the horizon.
Enforcing the Settlement
Enforcement of rules remains a priority. The settlement-related model is expected to introduce a new enforcement arm and governance structure, particularly for power conference schools, empowering them to establish and enforce their own regulations. Finalizing these details could take months.
A key aspect of enforcement revolves around booster-led collectives. While the settlement does not eliminate these entities, it incentivizes schools to integrate them within the university’s athletic department, primarily through a more robust enforcement entity—one potentially operating independently of the NCAA, bolstered by the settlement itself.
As part of the settlement, the judge is anticipated to “reaffirm” existing NCAA compensation rules, specifically those prohibiting booster payments for deals not considered “true NIL.” However, details on the enforcement entity remain scarce.
Additionally, the settlement is expected to provide a “release” of antitrust compensation claims from current, former, and future athletes for a decade, as part of a “substitution” system for new plaintiffs. This concept was highlighted by plaintiff attorney Steve Berman, who described a mechanism whereby each new class of athletes can opt into the revenue-sharing structure.
Any Drawbacks?
Nevertheless, the settlement is not without its flaws. It does not shield the NCAA and conferences from future lawsuits by state attorneys general, preempt state NIL or revenue-sharing laws, or definitively address Title IX’s applicability in such a compensation model.
The document notes that Title IX “remains to be applied at the campus level,” a scenario that could lead schools to bypass federal law by frequently using third-party entities to compensate athletes.
Plaintiff attorney Jeffrey Kessler believes the Title IX issue will ultimately be resolved in court.
“The courts will decide,” he said. “It doesn’t impact us. “If we reach a settlement, we’ll establish a system for compensating athletes. The extent to which Title IX applies will be decided by the courts.
Read more: Best College Football Quarterbacks to Watch This Season
Xander Schauffele clinched his second major title of the year on Sunday by winning the British Open at Royal Troon with a stunning 6-under 65, overcoming a two-shot deficit. This victory completed an American sweep of the four major championships for the first time since 1982.
Review of the Action
Despite a slow start, taking six holes to make his first birdie while others around him started strong, Schauffele played a bogey-free round. He pulled ahead with three birdies in a four-hole stretch early on the back nine, transforming a two-shot deficit into a three-shot lead. He eventually won by two shots over Americans Billy Horschel and Justin Rose, having gone through 36-hole qualifying to enter the field against Justin. Despite several players holding at least a share of the lead at some point on Sunday, none could keep pace with Schauffele.
Thriston Lawrence, the player Schauffele had to overtake, ended the front nine with a 32 but couldn’t maintain his lead. Schauffele’s pivotal moment came with a perfect wedge shot to 3 feet for birdie on the 11th, another birdie on the 13th, and a 12-foot birdie putt on the par-3 14th. Lawrence dropped a shot on the 12th and couldn’t recover, closing with a 68. He earned a consolation prize: a trip to the Masters next April.
Scottie Scheffler briefly contended but faltered with a double bogey on the ninth hole and another on the 18th, finishing with a 72 and tying for seventh. Afterward, he shared a hug with Schauffele, recognizing their shared status as the top players in golf. Schauffele was the sole golfer to secure a top-10 finish in every major tournament this year.
Schauffele’s Strength
Starting the season with doubts about his ability to win a major, Schauffele has now secured two, showcasing a level of play not seen in 90 years. He had earlier claimed victory at the PGA Championship at Valhalla by making a 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole, finishing with a 65. At Royal Troon, where the final round promised high drama with six players within one shot of the lead and nine within three shots, Schauffele made a tense Sunday look effortless.
Schauffele became the first player to win two majors with closing rounds of 65 in the same year, a feat only Jack Nicklaus has achieved in his career. He maintained his trademark calm demeanor, even as the wind posed significant challenges at Royal Troon. On the 18th tee, Schauffele told his caddie and longtime friend, Austin Kaiser, that he felt calm, while Kaiser admitted he was feeling the pressure.
The 30-year-old San Diego native also became the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win his first two majors in the same season. He continued the American dominance at Royal Troon, marking the seventh American champion in the last eight tournaments held there.
Justin Rose finished with a 67, good for second place, while Horschel, who began the final round with a one-shot lead, ended with a 68 after birdying his last three holes.
“He’s got a lot of horsepower,” Rose said regarding Schauffele. “He’s good with a wedge, great with a putter, hits the ball a long way, and his iron play is strong. But probably his most underrated quality is his mentality. He’s so calm out there.”
Open Payouts
The British Open offered a $17 million purse this season, a record for the event but the lowest among the major championships in 2024. The Players Championship had the largest purse at $25 million, awarding Scottie Scheffler a $4.5 million prize after his win at TPC Sawgrass. Schauffele earned $3.3 million for winning the PGA Championship.
The R&A’s purse increased by $500,000 from last year, meaning Schauffele will take home $3.1 million for his win at Royal Troon. Here’s a breakdown of how much Schauffele and the rest of the field earned this week in Scotland:
- Xander Schauffele — $3.1 million
- Justin Rose, Billy Horschel — $1.443 million
- Thriston Lawrence — $876,000
- Russell Henley — $705,000
- Shane Lowry — $611,000
T7. Jon Rahm, Sungjae Im, Scottie Scheffler — $451,833
The Clippers and Jazz have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal involving Russell Westbrook. Following the trade, Westbrook is expected to join the Denver Nuggets after Utah waives him and completes a contract buyout.
In return for Westbrook, the Clippers will receive guard Kris Dunn from the Jazz, along with a second-round draft pick swap and cash.
Westbrook’s Deal
This expanded deal was initially reported on July 1, in which Utah guard Kris Dunn agreed to a deal with the Clippers as an unrestricted free agent. Dunn will officially join the Clippers on a three-year, $17 million deal as part of the sign-and-trade. The Clippers also included a second-round pick swap and cash in the trade.
Westbrook and the Nuggets had previously been rumored to have mutual interest, and now it appears he will be joining the team. While no longer in his All-Star and MVP-winning prime, Westbrook demonstrated value as a scorer and facilitator off the bench with the Clippers last season. His defensive efforts were also crucial in the second unit.
Westbrook offers veteran leadership to a Nuggets team that has been relatively inactive this offseason, particularly after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. Although Westbrook won’t replace KCP’s defense or 3-point shooting, he can still be a valuable asset at the right price for a championship-contending team.
The Clippers seemed destined to trade Westbrook once he opted into his deal. With the departure of Paul George, L.A. is entering a new era and didn’t see value in keeping Westbrook for another season. They will acquire Kris Dunn, who was selected fifth overall in the 2016 draft by the Timberwolves and has since played for the Bulls, Hawks, Trail Blazers, and Jazz.
Experience Prevails
League sources indicate that the Nuggets were eager to add Westbrook if he became available, as they need a veteran backup point guard to bring energy and defense after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson in free agency. “I think we need some help in the backcourt,” Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth said. “We are going to try to continue to identify that and survey the market. We have a roster spot left, and I think if we can add a high-level guard, we will be happy with that.”
Westbrook opted into his $4 million contract last month, but Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank recently spoke with Westbrook’s agent to find the right fit for the nine-time All-Star after Paul George left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
Frank emphasized the Clippers have “great respect” for Westbrook, calling him a “tremendous f—ing player, Hall of Fame player.”
Westbrook started last season as the Clippers’ point guard but moved to a sixth-man role after LA traded for James Harden, leading to a 26-5 run during their best stretch. He also posted career-lows with 4.5 assists and 22.5 minutes per game but delivered some of the best defense of his career, ranking fourth in field goal percentage allowed among players contesting 300 or more shots last season, according to Second Spectrum tracking.
Westbrook often paired with George, his former Thunder teammate and friend, on the court. The Clippers are now moving forward with Kawhi Leonard and Harden, while adding defensive-minded players like Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Nicolas Batum in free agency.
Benching Concerns
The 35-year-old was mostly in a reserve role for the Clippers this past season, appearing in 68 games with 11 starts, and he averaged a career-low in points per game.
“I’d like to share some of my actual thoughts with Clipper nation and all of my fans,” he continued. “It’s a difficult time for a lot of people due to certain expectations that have been placed on them. Therefore, it’s understandable that there is pressure to plant stories or point the finger for what many would classify as a disappointing end to our season.
“I for one enjoyed my year and worked hard to bring the energy and provide a spark for our team with each opportunity I was given,” he acknowledged. “I felt that I was and remain more than willing to take on new roles and make certain sacrifices in the hope that it would make our team better. I hoped for a different outcome, but I also enjoyed being in the trenches with my teammates this year, who have all been supportive of me throughout the season.”
Paul Pierce wants to see Westbrook start, shifting Jamal Murray to shooting guard. This would result in Christian Braun, who is the favorite for the starting role but hasn’t been guaranteed it, coming off the bench.
Pierce commented, “Russ is at a point in his career where I know he wants to win a championship. He’s done everything possible in basketball. He’s been MVP, he’s been to the Finals, and had countless triple-double seasons.”
The Nuggets will give Westbrook a legitimate chance to play a significant role on a title contender, having won the 2023 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat.
Pierce added, “I like this move with Russ starting alongside Jamal Murray at the two. I think they can still be strong contenders as long as Joker is playing at an MVP level.”
Read more: WNBA Rookie Caitlin Clark Breaks Multiple Records Despite Fever Loss
The WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark outdid herself on Wednesday, setting a new single-game record with 19 assists in the Fever’s 101-93 loss to the Dallas Wings. This performance also established a new single-game rookie assist record, surpassing the 16 assists set by Tina Penicheiro in 1998. Additionally, Clark has broken the Fever’s single-season franchise assist record, reaching 202 assists in just 26 games.The WNBA single-season record, set by Alyssa Thomas last season, stands at 316.
Clark exceeded her previous career high, achieved multiple times this season, including in the Fever’s significant win over the New York Liberty on July 6, where she became the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double.
Action on the Day
The Fever-Wings matchup was a thrilling contest ahead of the All-Star and Olympic breaks. Despite Dallas taking an early lead, going up by as many as 16 points in the first half, Indiana cut the lead to eight by halftime. The third quarter saw Indiana tighten the game, leading to an intense fourth quarter where both teams exchanged leads and remained tied for much of the final frame. Ultimately, Dallas held off the Fever with heroics from star guard Arike Ogunbowale.
Both teams were led by dynamic duos: Ogunbowale and Odyssey Sims scored 24 points each for Dallas, while Clark and Aliyah Boston recorded 24 and 28 points, respectively, with Boston marking a career high.
Clark’s historic performance strengthens her Rookie of the Year campaign. She leads the league in assists per game with 7.8 and has quickly become a crucial part of the Fever’s starting lineup.
With the win, Dallas rises to 6-19, though they remain at the bottom of the WNBA standings. The Fever are 11-15, sitting solidly in the middle.
Clark Breaking Records
Clark’s record-breaking assist occurred when she set up Kelsey Mitchell for a three-pointer with 2:22 left, tying the game at 93. However, Dallas responded with an 8-0 run to finish the game.
Clark scored or assisted on 66 points for the Fever, the most in a single game in WNBA history, surpassing Diana Taurasi’s 65-point effort on August 10, 2006.
This season, Clark is averaging 17.1 points and a WNBA-leading 8.2 assists. Over her past nine games, she has been averaging 11.9 assists. She is the second rookie in WNBA history to score or assist on 50 or more points in multiple games, joining Candace Parker in 2008.
Clark is also the first rookie and the ninth player overall in WNBA history to have at least 400 points and 200 assists in a season. Chelsea Gray has accomplished this feat three times, Alyssa Thomas twice, and Sue Bird, Jordin Canada, Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, Courtney Williams, and Vandersloot have each done it once.
Following her record-breaking performance, Clark’s odds for WNBA Rookie of the Year honors at ESPN BET improved from -1000 to -2000, while the Sky’s Angel Reese moved from +500 to +600.
Onto the All-Star Game
In the 20th edition of the all-star game on Saturday, July 20th, the WNBA will feature a Team WNBA vs. Team USA format, with the entire Olympic team roster facing off against 12 WNBA All-Stars. This change also brings a fresh twist to the uniforms.
In the first half, Team WNBA will wear pink-and-orange ombré jerseys with “WNBA All-Star” and the league’s emblem. In the second half, they will switch to black jerseys with ombré hues on the V-neck.
The jerseys include “WNBA All-Star Edition 2024” and 20 stars to commemorate the game’s 20th anniversary, with an orange “1/144” tag honoring the league’s 144 players.
The WNBA has set new viewership benchmarks this season, and this all-star game is going to bigger than ever. A highly anticipated game between Caitlin Clark and Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi drew remarkable ratings. The Fever, who won 88-82 on June 30, averaged 1.9 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched WNBA game. The only game to surpass it was the Fever’s matchup against the Chicago Sky on June 23, which averaged 2.302 million viewers, the highest in 23 years. The Fever-Mercury game peaked at 2.7 million viewers.
Read more: Patrick Beverley Says EuroLeague Coaches Are Better Than Their NBA Rivals
Crypto Casino Bonuses & Promotions: Maximise Your Rewards
Crypto Casino Security: Are Your Funds Safe?
Bitcoin Gambling: A Comprehensive Guide
Crypto Casinos 101 What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Matter
Decentralised Finance (DeFi) – Future Without Banks?
FuturePlay Guide – 2024 FPV Drone Racing Events
2023 Cricket World Cup Venues
Get Excited For The Rolex Paris Masters 2023
Jannik Sinner Keeps Getting Better & Better!
PREVIEW: AIRSPEEDER FLYING CAR EVENT, 2023
Teacher Turned FPV Drone Racing Pilot: FuturePlay Exclusive with Mako Reactra
How Issa Kalfon became the World’s First Jet Suit Racing Champion
A Look Back at the Badminton Playing Robot Unveiled at the South China Sports Festival
When Man Goes Against Machine: Introducing Cue6
