The NCAA’s 119-year amateurism model effectively ended when a federal judge approved the House v. NCAA settlement, allowing for revenue sharing between schools and athletes for the first time.

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken granted final approval to the $2.8 billion settlement after extensive litigation and negotiations that began in 2020. The settlement covers back payments for athletes who missed opportunities to earn from their name, image, and likeness, starting July 1.

NCAA President Charlie Baker remarked, “Approving the settlement provides a pathway to stabilize college sports. This framework allows schools to offer direct financial benefits to athletes and establishes regulations for third-party NIL agreements.”

The approval of the settlement has sparked discussions about how the funds will be distributed among various teams and players, with power conference commissioners expressing optimism for the clarity and structure this decision brings to college athletics.

The settlement, filed by Grant House and Sedona Prince, has laid the groundwork for a new era where student-athletes can earn revenue from their contributions in a much more transparent and organized manner.