KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Department of Education recently shared new guidelines about college athletics and a plan for profit sharing.
This profit sharing stems from a settlement involving the NCAA and the House, which aims to distribute $20 million annually between Division I colleges and their student athletes.
The Department of Education views this money as financial aid. Therefore, it will need to be divided equally between male and female athletes, in line with Title IX rules.
Sam Ehrlich, an assistant professor at Boise State University, explained, “If the University of Tennessee decides to pay its star quarterback a few million dollars, they must also pay their female athletes the same amount.”
It’s important to note that this guidance is not final. With the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, many believe these changes might be reversed.
Even though things may shift, Thursday’s guidance could pave the way for future legal disputes. According to Ehrlich, it may provide a blueprint for female athletes or others who want to challenge unequal profit distribution at universities.
“This sets a precedent for what might come,” he added. “The question of whether funds have to be distributed equally under Title IX has always been there since the $20 million settlement was proposed.”
As discussions continue, Ehrlich thinks a courtroom decision may ultimately be necessary. Many legal experts anticipated that the revenue-sharing issue would lead to legal action regarding Title IX compliance.
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