On June 5, 2025, the NCAA agreed to pay $2.8 billion to former Division I athletes as part of the House v. NCAA antitrust settlement. Starting July 1, schools may pay up to $20.5 million annually to their athletes. For many student-athletes, this moment feels like long-overdue justice.
But beneath the headlines lies a complex web of legal and financial considerations. If you’re a student-athlete, here’s what you need to know:
What’s Changing for You
- Back Pay: If you played Division I sports after 2016, you may be entitled to compensation from the settlement.
- Ongoing Pay: Schools can now pay athletes directly, on top of scholarships and NIL deals.
- Roster Caps: Instead of scholarship limits, schools may now limit the number of athletes on each team.
Legal and Practical Questions
- Am I Eligible for Compensation?
- If you played since 2016 and opted into the settlement, you may be entitled to a payout.
- How Will This Affect My Taxes or Financial Aid?
- Revenue-sharing could affect your tax status, FAFSA reporting, or scholarship amounts.
- What If I’m Left Out?
- If you suspect discrimination based on gender, race, or sport, you may have a legal claim under Title IX or civil rights law.
How K Altman Law Supports Student-Athletes
K Altman Law has represented students in thousands of cases involving academic integrity, discrimination, and institutional misconduct. Our services now extend to:
- Reviewing settlement eligibility and assisting with claims;
- Helping athletes understand new contracts, income disclosures, and NIL rules;
- Representing clients in Title IX or civil rights disputes related to pay equity;
- Advising athletes who are being unfairly excluded from compensation plans.
What You Should Do Now
- Know Your Rights: Don’t sign anything without understanding its implications.
- Seek Legal Support: A free consultation with an attorney can help protect your future.
- Connect With Others: Talk with teammates and see if others are being treated unfairly, too.
This is a defining moment in college sports. Make sure you have someone in your corner.
Schedule a consultation with us.
