UA athletics director responds to NCAA approval of proposal to resolve pending antitrust case

The NCAA and the nation’s five largest conferences announced Thursday night that they have agreed to pay nearly $2.8 billion to settle a series of antitrust claims. This is a monumental decision that sets the stage for a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model that could begin directly directing millions of dollars to athletes as early as the fall 2025 semester.

The Big 12 Conference, along with the NCAA, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten Conference, Pac-12 Conference and Southeastern Conference, voted to approve the proposed settlement of outstanding antitrust disputes. The proposed settlement represents a major change in the landscape of college athletics, and other disputes remain to be resolved. You can read the official settlement announcement by clicking here.

UA Director of Athletics Desiree Reed Francois responded:

Knowing that these significant changes are on the horizon, the University of Arizona Athletics Department has been strategizing and preparing for months to build a modern model of collegiate athletics that adapts to change and supports our student-athletes. While there is still much to do and even more to learn, the University of Arizona will be a leading voice in these crucial times. Our department is working to manage this transformation to position us to continue our legacy of excellence in the years to come.

The future of Arizona Athletics will continue to focus on our student-athletes and providing them with the best experiences possible so they can grow and develop as champions in competition, in the classroom and in our community. We remain committed to this mission, competing at the highest level and proudly representing this incredible institution and community.

Our future model is designed to maintain a robust and vibrant Athletics Department that will elevate the campus and our community through increased applications, philanthropy, enrollment and brand awareness. Arizona Athletics will also continue to drive the economies of the Tucson community and the state of Arizona, generating $265 million in annual economic impact from sporting events.

We treat this latest challenge as an opportunity. Our athletics department will continue to work hard to make the Wildcat family proud.”