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A New Chapter for Valpo Athletics: What You Need to Know

College athletics is undergoing historic transformation - and Valpo is ready to meet the moment.

Valparaiso University will formally opt in to the NCAA's new model under the House v. NCAA settlement, effective July 1, 2025. This step allows us to invest more directly than ever before in the holistic development and experience of our student-athletes.

Below, we provide answers to key questions about what this decision means for Valpo Athletics, our student-athletes, and our loyal community of supporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Note: This FAQ will continue to be updated)

Why is this happening now?

The House settlement represents a landmark shift in the governance of college athletics. For the first time, institutions will be able to provide student-athletes with enhanced benefits - including the ability to enter into name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements and share in certain revenues - while continuing to support their academic and athletic pursuits.

For Valpo, this change presents an opportunity to enhance the experience of those who proudly represent our University at the highest level of NCAA competition.
 

Why has Valpo chosen to opt in?

Valpo's decision is guided by mission, not pressure.

By opting in, we are:
  • Taking a proactive approach to support our student-athletes
  • Preserving continuity for current rosters
  • Gaining the ability to provide enhanced benefits to our athletes
  • Strengthening our position to recruit, retain, and develop exceptional individuals who seek both competitive success and personal growth
This decision aligns with our values and reflects our commitment to providing a transformational student-athlete experience grounded in character, education, spirituality and leadership.
 

What are "enhanced benefits"?

Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, institutions that opt in will have the option to provide enhanced benefits to student-athletes. These optional benefits include:
  • Additional Scholarships beyond previous NCAA limits
  • Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) licensing agreements
  • Revenue-sharing stipends
These additional benefits are an option, not a requirement, to an athletic department that chooses to opt in. Additionally, while these benefits are often referred to in the media as "revenue sharing", the terminology can be misleading, as most institutions do not have revenue to share.

While the NCAA has established a national cap of $20.5 million per year per institution for such benefits, Valpo will operate well below this threshold. Our participation is not about commercialization - it is about embracing a more equitable model that better supports the needs of our student-athletes and positions our coaches to better recruit, retain, and develop for sustained success.
 

Will this change scholarship limits or team rosters? 

Yes. The previous scholarship caps will be eliminated and replaced by sport-specific roster limits designed to ensure competitive balance and fiscal responsibility.

Key points include:
  • Each sport will have a roster cap
  • Institutions that opt in will have the ability to designate certain student-athletes who will be "grandfathered in" and exempt from new roster limits
  • These changes will allow for greater flexibility in how we support and manage each of our programs
We are committed to implementing these changes with fairness, foresight, and care for our current and future Beacons.
 

How is Valpo preparing for this transition?

Our planning is already well underway.
  • "Grandfathered" student-athletes have been designated and submitted to CAPS (newly established cap management system operated by LBi) as of July 6, 2025
  • Systems are being developed to ensure compliance, education, and responsible operations
  • We are working to align philanthropic strategies with this new model while maintaining the core identity and mission of Valparaiso University
  • Valpo Athletics is committed to securing new external funding for potential opportunities, thereby not drawing from the current University budget nor compromising the financial health of the institution
Updates and additional guidance will be shared in the months to come.
 

What is the future of NIL at Valpo?

NIL opportunities will continue to be a meaningful part of the student-athlete experience - but with enhanced institutional oversight.

Going forward:
  • Valpo will have the option to facilitate and directly provide NIL-related benefits
  • Third-party NIL transactions over $600 will be managed through a national system called NIL Go, powered by Deloitte to ensure fairness and transparency
Our compliance staff will work closely with student-athletes to ensure this process is accessible, supportive, and aligned with their goals.
 

How will Valpo fund these changes?

We will rely on a balanced approach that includes:

Philanthropic Support
  • Annual giving and major gifts to a newly formed "Excellence Fund" will be essential to this model. This fund will allow Valpo Athletics to strategically allocate enhanced student-athlete benefits.
    • Donors receive benefits such as exclusive access to coaches and players, priority hospitality, and parking.
    • For more information, please contact:
Ticket Revenue
  • Season and single-game ticket purchases for Men's and Women's Basketball, Football, and Volleyball are vital to our annual operations.
  • Our programs compete at a high level in one of the most competitive mid-major conferences in the NCAA. Your presence matters - let's fill the ARC and Brown Field in 2025-26! Ticket information can be found online at tickets.valpoathletics.com
Corporate Sponsorships
  • Through our partnership with Van Wagner, corporate sponsors receive valuable marketing opportunities with Northwest Indiana's only Division I program.
  • For more information, please contact Tuesday Monsion, General Manager - Valpo Athletics Sponsorships, at tmonsion@valpoas.com

If you're interested in helping us elevate the student-athlete experience, we would welcome a conversation. Every gift, every ticket purchased, and every sponsorship makes a difference.
 

What does this mean for fans, alumni, and supporters?

It means your impact is more powerful than ever.

When you invest in Valpo Athletics - by attending games, contributing to the Valpo Victory Fund, or sponsoring our programs - you help shape the lives of student-athletes who will become tomorrow's leaders in their professions, their communities, and their faith.

This is your opportunity to Be The Light.
 

Our Commitment

Valparaiso University is committed to academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth - and our Athletics program reflects those same values.

As we enter this new era of college athletics, we remain focused on our mission to prepare student-athletes for lives of leadership and purpose. We are confident that, with your continued support, we will build something truly special - together.

Thank you for believing in Valpo. Thank you for believing in our student-athletes.

Ring The Bell. Go Valpo.