Big changes are happening in college sports. Since 2021, student athletes have been able to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Now, there’s a potential settlement related to antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA that could bring even more money to these athletes.
This settlement could allow universities to start sharing revenue with student athletes next year. Each school might distribute as much as $20.5 million, which will require colleges to rethink their budgets. For some institutions, this means cuts in other areas. For example, Indiana University has already laid off staff within its athletic department.
Auburn’s athletic director, John Cohen, noted that if the settlement goes through, they will need to find an extra $23 to $24 million. This will come from tightening budgets, creating new revenue streams, and increasing donor support. The hope is to maintain a good experience for all student athletes, even as the financial landscape changes.
One major concern is the future of non-revenue sports like gymnastics and track and field. While Auburn has had success in these areas, the pressure of funding revenue-generating sports, like football and basketball, could affect them. Cohen acknowledged that while they want to support all athletes, competition for resources will likely increase. He expressed hope that they can still provide quality experiences for everyone involved.
When asked if they could cut certain sports, Cohen avoided a clear answer, citing the uncertainty of the situation. Budget changes will be necessary, but it’s unclear exactly where those adjustments will happen—whether in smaller sports or other parts of the athletic department.
Despite these challenges, Auburn’s athletic program is in a strong financial position, reporting over $194 million in revenue for the fiscal year, with a healthy surplus. Cohen revealed that future financial planning has been a key focus since he took the job, with discussions around NIL and athlete compensation being central to those talks.
For now, questions remain about how non-revenue sports will fare in this evolving landscape. The future is uncertain, not just for Auburn but for many schools trying to adapt to these significant changes in college athletics.
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