NCAA antitrust settlement allows schools to pay college athletes and impact on Ohio State, Deion Sanders controversy, Billy Price retirement

College athletes are on the verge of getting paid as the NCAA and Power Five conferences settle a multibillion-dollar antitrust dispute, paving the way for schools to compensate their players directly. This major change in financial incentives comes on the heels of the NIL era and has potential long-term consequences for Ohio State, other universities and sports across the country.

By the numbers

• The NCAA and Power Five conferences have reached agreement on a multibillion-dollar antitrust settlement.
• Schools will now have the option to pay student-athletes directly.

Yes but

While paying players has long been a goal, there are concerns about the impact of the transfer portal on program loyalty.

Game status

• Discussion of potential job cuts at Ohio State’s athletics department and other universities due to the new payment model.
• Fans are grappling with mixed feelings about a significant change in college sports compensation.

What’s next

The college sports landscape is poised for transformation as schools move into the realm of directly compensating athletes, potentially changing the dynamics of college athletics and player recruitment.

Bottom line

The NCAA’s landmark agreement sets the stage for a new era of college sports as schools prepare to pay athletes directly, with ripple effects across the sports industry and college landscape.