Big moves are shaking up U.S. college sport and if you're planning to play at the next level, now’s the time to pay attention. From new pay structures to roster restrictions and NIL reforms, the NCAA is redefining the rules. Here’s what you need to know this month, and what it all means for student-athletes and their families.
In a landmark $2.8 billion settlement, the NCAA has approved a new model allowing Division I colleges to directly pay student-athletes. Starting July 1, 2025, each school will be allowed to allocate up to $20.5 million per year to athletes across all sports.
This direct compensation comes on top of existing scholarships and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) income, marking the start of a true “pay-for-play” era. The ripple effects will be felt in how rosters are built, how scholarships are structured, and how schools compete for top talent.
When comparing college offers, it’s no longer just about scholarships. Parents and athletes should now also evaluate a school’s willingness—and ability—to share from this new compensation pool.
Alongside the shift in athlete pay, the NCAA is also implementing roster caps—a move that could limit the number of players on each team, even as scholarship rules become more flexible.
For non-revenue sports and walk-ons, this may mean fewer late-stage opportunities or trial chances at the college level.
The earlier you engage with the recruiting process, the better. Clear communication with coaches, standout performances, and strong academic positioning will be essential to lock in your spot before rosters fill up.
A new NIL clearinghouse will soon be established to monitor all brand deals over $600. Colleges will now be required to report and approve NIL transactions, and compliance will be more closely tracked across the board.
NIL isn’t the Wild West anymore. Before signing any deals, athletes should work with advisors or legal reps to ensure full compliance and long-term protection of their eligibility.
As schools begin distributing pay directly to athletes, there’s increased scrutiny to ensure gender equity in support, funding, and facilities across men’s and women’s programs.
This shift may unlock new investment in women’s sports, especially in areas with rapid growth like soccer, volleyball, and golf. It’s an important step toward balance in how athletes are valued and supported.
Both the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences have partnered with PayPal to manage athlete payments. This points to a future where digital infrastructure plays a bigger role in how athletes receive:
Expect more structured, tech-enabled systems for receiving funds. Financial literacy will be critical to ensure payments are managed responsibly, especially around tax and reporting obligations.
Starting in the 2026–27 season, the NCAA will expand the regular season for men’s and women’s basketball from 31 to 32 games. There’s also ongoing discussion around expanding the NCAA tournament beyond 68 teams.
An extra game is another chance to be seen, but it also means greater physical demands and tighter academic schedules. Time management will be key.
The NCAA is currently reviewing a proposal to officially add women’s flag football as an emerging sport across all divisions by 2026. If approved, it will create new pathways for athletes and open the door to scholarship opportunities.
If you’re competing in women’s flag football, now is the time to start preparing. Increased visibility and formal programs could elevate the sport across college campuses.
College sports in the U.S. are undergoing some of the most dramatic changes in decades. Whether you’re a Year 10 student starting to explore your options or deep into your application process, these shifts will affect everything from how you’re recruited to how you’re paid.
Staying informed is no longer optional, it’s part of the game. And we’re here to help you navigate every move.
