This summer, a new rule has been added to the NCAA allowing the “power 5 schools” to be paid directly by the academic institution for their success in their sport. This new rule was part of an agreement that was enacted by a lawsuit known as House v. NCAA. Since 2021, college athletes have been allowed to earn money for their name and likeness. In the House v. NCAA decision, it was determined that $2.75 billion would be distributed to the athletes that competed before 2021, though this settlement is currently on hold. The new decision would also allow schools to get $20 million per year to give to their athletes.

All “Power 5” schools will receive this new decision in the NCAA. This includes all schools that compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), The Big 10, the Big 12, PAC-12, and Southeastern conferences. It is expected that soon other schools outside of the “Power 5” will also be able to opt into this new decision. Football and basketball are the most likely to benefit from this new decision, as they are the largest programs in the NCAA. Sports that don’t generate a large amount of revenue can still opt in to pay their athletes; however, some may choose not to participate, which may become problematic.

It is important to note that because of Title IX, established in 1972, women’s teams must have the same number of athletes as men’s teams and must be given an equal amount of scholarships as men. This means that the new rule of being paid by the school will be added to the rules of Title IX in order to prevent sexism from occurring in college sports.

As college athletics continues to evolve with these new rules, it is important to ensure that all athletes, regardless of gender or sport, are treated fairly in this changing environment.