NCAA Board Approves Direct Payments to Athletes, Judge Approval Needed

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors has approved sweeping proposals to allow schools to directly pay athletes, marking a historic shift away from the association's traditional amateurism model. The changes, which remain contingent on the approval of a federal judge overseeing the House v. NCAA antitrust settlement, would eliminate over 150 existing rules and codify new structures for direct compensation, including up to $20.5 million in annual benefits for athletes at participating schools. The proposals also introduce stricter oversight, with a new NIL clearinghouse, disclosure requirements for third-party deals over $600, and a third-party enforcement group to ensure compliance and fairness. While powerhouse conferences are expected to adopt the new system quickly, some, like the Ivy League, have opted out and will maintain current amateurism standards. Additionally, the NCAA plans to double scholarship availability in women’s sports to support Title IX compliance. If finalized, these reforms would fundamentally transform the landscape of college athletics by institutionalizing direct athlete compensation and increasing transparency in NIL agreements.