College sports in the United States have entered a new era after the landmark House v. NCAA settlement allowed schools to share revenue with athletes and expanded players’ earning opportunities.
Under the agreement, schools in the major athletic conferences can share up to $20.5 million annually with athletes. Players can also earn money through name, image and likeness (NIL) deals and transfer to new schools more freely, creating intense competition for top talent.
Supporters say the changes finally reward athletes who generate billions of dollars for colleges. They argue the previous system unfairly denied players a share of the revenue while coaches and universities earned millions.
However, many university leaders warn that the new model is driving up costs and creating financial pressure. They fear that spending more on football and basketball could force schools to cut smaller sports programs and scholarships.
Lawmakers are now considering the Protect College Sports Act, which would introduce nationwide rules for NIL payments, athlete transfers and agent regulation. Supporters believe the bill would bring stability, while critics say parts of it could limit athletes’ rights.