BALTIMORE — Morgan State University has decided to join the House v. NCAA settlement. This agreement is a big step towards allowing student-athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). By opting in, Morgan is joining other universities focusing on fairness and better support for student-athletes. This decision also protects the university from future legal issues regarding NIL regulations.
The House v. NCAA settlement is valued at over $2.7 billion. It’s meant to benefit current and former college athletes who missed out on NIL opportunities before 2021, when the NCAA changed its rules. The settlement also sets up a way for schools to share revenue, ensuring more money goes directly to student-athletes.
“Morgan’s decision reflects our commitment to student-athletes and our proactive approach to the changing world of college sports,” said David K. Wilson, the president of Morgan State University. “We believe this choice is best for our university, ensuring we comply with regulations and create new chances for our athletes.”
As part of this settlement, Morgan will contribute about $231,227 to the fund. The university will also adjust team sizes, such as reducing the football roster from 130 to 105 players. This change will create more opportunities in Olympic sports while adhering to Title IX guidelines. Morgan also gains control over NIL revenue sharing and can seek alternate funding sources to support student-athletes. Other sports, like men’s and women’s basketball and tennis, will also see changes in roster limits.
“By opting in, we stay competitive while focusing on our student-athletes’ well-being,” said Dena Freeman-Patton, the vice president and director for Intercollegiate Athletics. “This choice helps us optimize our resources, invest in our teams, and explore financial support options beyond traditional NIL methods. Ultimately, it strengthens our ability to attract and support Morgan athletes.”
Power Five conference schools joined the settlement automatically, but other Division I schools needed to select to join by March 1. Morgan, a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), made the independent choice to opt in to enhance compliance, strengthen athletic programs, and improve the student-athlete experience.
As the world of college athletics changes, Morgan is dedicated to creating a supportive and successful environment for its athletes, prioritizing compliance and long-term program sustainability.
To learn more about Morgan Athletics, visit www.morganstatebears.com.
About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a distinguished institution offering over 150 academic programs at various degree levels. As Maryland’s leading Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a diverse student body and aims to make higher education accessible to everyone. For further details, visit www.morgan.edu.
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Media Contacts:
Larry Jones or Dell Jackson, for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022
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Source linkAthletics, House v. NCAA Settlement, Opt-In, NIL, Name Image Likeness, MEAC
