NCAA removes scholarship limits, aligns with House settlement as roster sizes evolve in new college sports era – CBS Sports

NCAA Adopts New Roster Limit Rules Aligned with House Settlement

Overview of Changes

On June 23, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors formally adopted new roster limit rules, effective July 1, that eliminate sport-specific scholarship limits. This decision aligns with the recently approved House v. NCAA settlement. Schools opting into the settlement may award scholarships to as many players as desired, provided their team rosters comply with the settlement’s overall size caps. For example, college football teams will have a maximum roster size of 105 players.

Impact on Scholarships and Gender Equality

• The NCAA anticipates a dramatic increase in available scholarships across all sports.
• The total number of scholarships offered to women is expected to more than double, promoting gender equality in collegiate athletics.
• Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, chair of the NCAA Division I Board, emphasized that this change marks a new era of increased benefits for student-athletes.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4: Quality Education

The expansion of scholarships supports SDG 4 by enhancing access to quality education through increased financial aid for student-athletes, enabling more individuals to pursue higher education alongside athletic participation.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

By more than doubling scholarships for women, the NCAA advances SDG 5, promoting gender equality and empowering female athletes in collegiate sports.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The removal of scholarship caps reduces inequalities among athletes by providing equitable opportunities regardless of sport, fostering inclusivity and fairness.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The House settlement introduces revenue-sharing mechanisms that allow schools to share up to $20.5 million with athletes, supporting SDG 8 by promoting decent work conditions and economic benefits for student-athletes.

Details of the New College Sports Model

Roster Size and Scholarship Allocation

1. College football teams will reduce rosters to a maximum of 105 players.
2. Each player within the roster limit may receive a scholarship, contrasting with the previous model that capped scholarships at 85 but allowed additional walk-ons.

Protection for Current Athletes

• Legislated exemptions “grandfather” current athletes with remaining eligibility, ensuring they retain their roster spots despite roster size reductions.
• This provision facilitates a smooth transition for schools adapting to the new regulations.

Judicial Oversight and Implementation Challenges

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken delayed approval multiple times due to concerns about roster limit implementation, which was projected to result in nearly 5,000 athletes being cut from rosters. Many programs had already initiated roster reductions prior to final approval.

Significance of the House Settlement

Financial and Legal Milestones

• The $2.8 billion, 10-year settlement allows schools to directly compensate athletes.
• Past players will receive payments for missed name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
• Current and future athletes will have access to legitimate NIL contracts.
• The new NIL Go clearinghouse will facilitate approval of additional financial deals for student-athletes.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• Supports SDG 8 by fostering economic growth and decent work opportunities for student-athletes.
• Promotes SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by establishing transparent and fair legal frameworks in collegiate sports.

Conclusion

The NCAA’s adoption of new roster limit rules in accordance with the House settlement represents a transformative shift in college athletics. By increasing scholarship availability, promoting gender equality, and enabling revenue sharing, these changes contribute significantly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for collegiate sports.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses scholarships for college athletes, which relates to improving access to education and educational opportunities.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article mentions that the new rules will more than double the total scholarships offered to women, promoting gender equality in sports and education.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The revenue-sharing model and direct payments to athletes align with promoting decent work conditions and economic benefits for student-athletes.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The settlement provides financial opportunities and protections for current and past athletes, reducing inequalities in college sports.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Scholarships Awarded
   • The article highlights an increase in scholarships available, especially for women, which can be measured by tracking the total scholarships awarded to male and female athletes.
2. Roster Size and Athlete Participation
   • Tracking changes in roster sizes and the number of athletes retained or cut due to new limits can indicate progress in managing athlete inclusion and opportunities.
3. Revenue Sharing Amounts
   • The amount of revenue shared with athletes (e.g., up to $20.5 million) can be monitored to assess economic benefits and financial inclusion.
4. Access to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Contracts
   • Number of athletes receiving NIL contracts and the value of these contracts can serve as indicators of economic empowerment and reduced inequalities.
5. Gender Parity in Scholarships
   • Measuring the ratio of scholarships awarded to women versus men will indicate progress toward gender equality in educational opportunities.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cbssports.com