Non-Revenue-Generating Sports at Risk

The House v. NCAA settlement represents a seismic shift in the landscape of college athletics. In this article, I appreciate how the author navigates the complex implications of the settlement, shedding light on the winners and losers, even before the final details were solidified in early August. This analysis not only highlights the transformative impact of the $2.8 billion NIL backpay and the introduction of a revenue-sharing framework for athletes but also underscores the far-reaching consequences for non-revenue sports, which might be the biggest losers in this new reality. As athletic departments, particularly those in mid-major programs, grapple with the financial strain of the settlement, these programs face potential cuts, threatening the future of many sports that have long been part of the college athletics fabric.