We are entering a new era in college athletics. On June 7, the landmark House v. NCAA settlement received final approval, paving the way for transformative changes in NCAA regulations that aim to better support student-athletes nationwide. These changes include:

• Applicable to all Division I institutions: A $2.8 billion antitrust settlement payable over the next 10 years to compensate current and former student-athletes for the NCAA's use of their name, image, and likeness
• Applicable to all Division I institutions: New oversight rules for third-party name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals
• Optional for non-Power 4 institutions: A new model that allows institutions the option to provide enhanced benefits to student-athletes

After careful review and thoughtful consideration, Valparaiso University is proud to share that we will opt in to this forward-thinking model, effective July 1, 2025. We will do so in a manner that is aligned with our institutional and departmental values so that we may provide opportunities and experiences consistent with our current and aspirational peers.
 

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What This Means for Valpo Athletics

1. Expanded Support for Student-Athletes

Institutions opting in have the option to offer enhanced benefits like NIL licensing, revenue sharing, and scholarships beyond previous NCAA limits. Compliance will be managed through CAPS (Cap Management System by LBi). This is based on each institution's financial position and institutional priorities.

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.

2. Flexibility with Team Rosters

The NCAA will transition from scholarship caps to sport-specific roster limits. Importantly, only institutions opting in at this moment in time will be able to participate in roster grandfathering by notating certain athletes as Designated Student-Athletes (DSAs). This will allow DSAs a roster spot above newly established limits for the duration of their NCAA eligibility. This component of the terms of the settlement was of critical importance in Valpo's decision to opt in.

3. Long-Term Financial Strategy

While Valpo and other non-Power 4 institutions were not parties in the litigation, the NCAA and the P4 are requiring that all Division I schools contribute to the $2.8B settlement through reduced NCAA distributions over the next ten years. These payments will come from reductions in revenue institutions would have received from the NCAA, not institutional budgets.

4. Strengthened Third-Party NIL Oversight

To promote transparency and fair value, all student-athletes must now report third-party NIL agreements exceeding $600 within five business days. These will be reviewed through NIL Go, a national clearinghouse operated by Deloitte, ensuring agreements meet legitimacy and fair market value standards — with additional safeguards for affiliated individuals or organizations.
 

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For more detailed information, we encourage you to review our House Settlement FAQ page.

As we move into this exciting phase, Valparaiso University remains deeply committed to championing our student-athletes' growth, both on and off the field. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in shaping the future of Valpo Athletics.

Go Valpo!