Sports

College Sports’ Financial Hurdles Go Way Beyond NCAA House Settlement

Published

7 months ago

June 23, 2025

In the wake of U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken granting final approval to the 10-year settlement between the NCAA, power conferences and current and former D-I athletes represented by the House, Carter and Hubbard antitrust litigations, some fear the settlement will encourage schools to cut Division I non-revenue and Olympic sports teams.

A popular narrative is setting in: It insists the House settlement will impose new costs on schools that make it harder to justify keeping teams that aren’t either money-makers or needed to comply with Title IX’s gender equity requirements. But while the settlement is impactful, don’t fall for the head fake that it is the only or most important factor in schools’ decisions to keep certain sports or cut sports altogether.

It’s true that sports like tennis, track and field, and swimming and diving are more vulnerable in the post-settlement world. American Volleyball Coaches Association CEO Jaime Gordon recently said that 32 Division I Olympic sports teams have been cut since the settlement’s announcement.

To be sure, the House settlement will place new costs on colleges and up the cost of college sports. Colleges can elect to directly pay athletes a share of up to 22% of the average power conference athletic media, ticket and sponsorship revenue, with $20.5 million pegged as the initial annual cap. Those payments are in addition to athletic scholarships, which cover tuition, housing, health resources and other benefits, and NIL deals athletes with third parties.

Division I schools that decline to share revenue with athletes will face new costs, too.

The settlement calls for qualified athletes who played as far back as 2016 to receive about $2.8 billion over the next decade. The money reflects forgone NIL opportunities, denied revenue from broadcasts and potential earnings from video games that were never made on account of NCAA rules.

Both revenue-sharing and non-revenue-sharing schools, including Houston Christian University, which challenged the back pay feature, will see funds withheld. HCU has argued it will essentially pay $300,000 a year over the next 10 years, for a total of $3 million, on account of a settlement that it insists it never approved. Wilken denied that argument, noting HCU is bound by virtue of its NCAA membership.

But it’s important to remember that House settlement-related costs are not occurring in an intercollegiate sports vacuum. They should be placed in the broader context of higher ed; universities face a multiple budget challenges that aren’t related to athletics but will make it harder to fund athletics.

As a starting point, colleges face the dreaded “enrollment cliff.” A decline in U.S. birthrates beginning in 2008 means that an accompanying drop in the population of U.S. college-age students will hit universities by next year. The drop is expected to be about 15% and last until around 2041.

This development will have profound impacts on many universities, especially those in states expected to endure the harshest reductions—Illinois, for example, is projected to see a 32% drop in high school graduates between 2023 and 2041. Fewer students will mean decreases in revenue from tuition, dormitory, meal plan and student fees. Universities could mitigate the financial hit by raising prices on students, but that would be unpopular and could undermine recruitment and retention efforts.

Universities will also need to compete aggressively for fewer students. This is likely good news for students, as schools dangle more competitive financial aid packages and bad news for schools as they receive less money. This is particularly worrisome for the numerous colleges that are “tuition-dependent,” meaning most of their operating budget isn’t funded by donors, endowments or grants but instead by tuition dollars.

The Trump administration’s hostility toward international students is also a key consideration. Trump has attempted—unsuccessfully thus far—to block Harvard University from admitting international students. Also, the State Department has directed embassies to determine if prospective international students of U.S. universities have “hostile attitudes” before student visas are issued.

While these efforts are legally problematic and substantively dubious—the U.S. is strengthened when talented international students study here and join the American workforce—they’ll encourage some international students to head for other countries’ universities. A drop in international students will have sizable economic ramifications. Those students typically pay full tuition.

As schools brace for smaller enrollments, they also face the prospect of fewer and downsized federal grants. The Trump Administration has targeted federal assistance to universities for budget cuts. Research grants and Pell grants (which help undergraduate students who have financial needs) have faced, or are expected to face, reductions and more eligibility limitations. As of last month, universities had lost about $11 billion in research grants. Some researchers might leave U.S. schools and head abroad.

Another lifeline for colleges, the federal student loan system, is also in lawmakers’ crosshairs. As part of the ongoing budget debate, Congress is weighing reforms designed to increase the government’s chances for repayment, but critics charge this would lead more borrowers into risk of default. Colleges worry they would be required to reimburse the federal government if their students fail to repay their loans.

In addition, university endowments are eyed by lawmakers as a source of revenue to offset business and income tax cuts and other reforms. Congress is weighing several concepts that would raise, in some instances by high degrees, the excise tax universities pay on their endowment income. Endowments are often portrayed as de facto savings accounts for colleges, but that depiction is off base. Endowment funds are usually restricted for specific purposes, such as a scholarship for a student who meets certain criteria. They can’t be used to address most operational needs.

Universities’ tax-exempt status on account of their educational missions is also under review. Trump has openly questioned the justification of the tax exemption, particularly for Harvard but more broadly as well. Bloomberg recently reported that the Treasury Department is considering a reform that could revoke a college’s tax-exempt status if the school considered “race in student admissions, scholarships and other areas.”

It’s not just the federal government that could take money away from colleges. Some states are expected to reduce support. For example, in New Hampshire—which is already last among the 50 states for state public education funding as a percentage of revenue receipts—legislators are debating substantial reductions in financial assistance aimed at higher ed and public education.

The challenging landscape that colleges face won’t necessarily be all bad. It could lead universities to innovate, especially as the scope and quality of online education degrees and offerings. Colleges could attract new types of students, including adults who worked for years after high school and are interested in pursuing college as older students.

Likewise, four-year colleges will be incentivized to identify more students from junior colleges as attractive candidates for enrollment. There is a sports hook to note. The NCAA requires that junior college students have a 2.5 GPA at their school to become Division I eligible at a four-year college, whereas the NCAA usually requires only a 2.0 GPA for an athlete to remain eligible after transferring from one Division I college to another. Some junior college students who are athletes might thus be discouraged from continuing their studies at four-year schools.

This is not an abstract concern. University of Nevada wide receiver Cortez Braham Jr., who is currently suing the NCAA to play another season, has noted he would have transferred to West Virginia University in 2021, but his 2.47 GPA was judged too low.

The NCAA has maintained the GPA policy is sensible given educational goals.

“Academic achievement remains a priority for Division I members,” an NCAA spokesperson told Sportico. “The NCAA continues to work to find new ways to support student-athletes as they work toward earning their degree.”

Jeff White, the chief legal officer and a senior vice president at the National Junior College Athletic Association, told Sportico the NCAA should modify the GPA requirement for JUCO-to-four-year-college transfers so that it matches that for transfers between four-year schools.

“That does not mean [the NCAA] should lower the GPA requirements for two-year students,” White said. “We believe raising the standard for four-year students is just as reasonable.”

White added: “Ironically enough, many NCAA members already offer guaranteed transfer opportunities to two-year students at participating two-year colleges. So participants can transfer and attend as a student, but the NCAA will not allow them to participate as a student-athlete. In the face of the enrollment cliff, the NCAA is forcing its members to turn away student-athletes that otherwise academically qualify. Make that make sense.”

This new era of higher ed could also force universities to face hard, but necessary, choices that they’ve punted on for years. Some will decide whether to close a school or program that has become less relevant in an economy that will be shaped by AI and demographic shifts. To that point, given that about 95% of colleges report losing money on athletics, perhaps some should rethink offering varsity athletics or at least certain teams.

One thing is for certain: The House settlement is merely one of many factors that will reshape the future of college sports in America. Don’t give it more credit or blame than it deserves.

McCann is a professor of law and associate dean at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law and a visiting professor of law at Harvard Law School.

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Avery Vogt Named Gatorade Iowa Volleyball Player of the Year

Published

13 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Photo taken by Next Level Portrait

Avery Vogt, a senior at Waukee Northwest High School, has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade Iowa Volleyball Player of the Year, one of the top honors in high school athletics. The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes student-athletes for success in athletics, academics, and community involvement.

Avery helped lead the Wolves to an impressive 38–1 season and the program’s second state championship. She finished the year with 939 assists, along with 216 kills, 171 digs, 45 blocks, and 38 service aces, highlighting her versatility and leadership on the court. Her season also earned her AVCA Honorable Mention All-American and AVCA All-Region recognition.

In addition to the Gatorade honor, Avery was named to the IGCA Elite All-State Team, selected as the State Tournament Most Valuable Player, and received the 5A Ms. Volleyball award. She played a key role in Northwest closing the season with 52 consecutive set victories.

Off the court, Avery enjoys giving back to the community. She volunteers as a mentor at camps and clinics and supports literacy outreach by reading to elementary students throughout the Waukee Community School District.

After graduation, Avery will continue her volleyball career at Drake University. Congratulations, Avery, on this incredible honor

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This Week in Saluki Athletics: January 12-18

Published

26 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

CARBONDALE, Ill. – School is back in session at Southern Illinois and Saluki athletics is back in full swing. Last week, both basketball squads were in action as well as the swim and dive team. And this week, track and field returns to competition.

Men’s Basketball (8-9, 2-4)
Men’s basketball had just one game last week, falling 70-57 at UIC. Damien Mayo Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 17, and he also tied Quel’Ron House to lead all players in assists with five.

Two games await Southern this week. On Wednesday, Jan. 14, they host Drake at 7 p.m. SIU then welcomes Belmont to Banterra Center on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m.

Women’s Basketball (4-11, 1-5)
The women’s basketball squad split their two conference games last week.

First, the team lost to Evansville on Thursday, 75-70. Jeniah Thompson reset her career-high in points with 19, and grabbed 12 rebounds to complete a double-double. Karris Allen had a nice game as well with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Indya Green was the final Saluki to hit double-digit points with her 11.

SIU then picked up their first conference win of the season on Saturday, defeating Valparaiso 97-59. Thompson set a new career-high in points once again with 25, and had 14 rebounds as well for another double-double. Green, Kayla Cooper, and Tkiyah Nelson all had 10+ points as well.

This week, the Salukis host Murray State on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. They then welcome UIC to Carbondale on Sunday, Jan. 18, for a 2 p.m. match.

Swim and Dive
It was a busy weekend for swim and dive, who competed for the first time following winter break.

On Friday, the men’s squad traveled to Purdue and fell 207-103. Carter Ruthven won SIU’s first event of the day by taking gold in the 100-butterfly. Alex Cimera won the 200-freestyle event as well as the 100-freestyle. Southern’s last win of the meet came in the 400-IM thanks to Juraj Barcot.

SIU then hosted Evansville and Indiana State’s women’s team on Saturday for Senior Day. Both Southern squads took down Evansville, but the women’s team fell to Indiana State in a close meet. The Salukis started the meet by winning both sides of the 200-medley relay, and Joshua Aceves was the team’s first individual winner in the men’s 1000-freestyle. Susy Hernandez then won the 200-freestyle, as did Willem Huggins for the men’s team. In the 100-backstroke, Liseska Gallegos Gutierrez and Cimera both grabbed gold. Olivia Herron, Maddax Thompson, Nate Worsham , Tomáš Peciar, Benedek Andor, and Barcot all won events as well, and Oliver Mebs provided SIU a diving win in the one-meter dive.

It is another busy week for swim and dive. On Friday, Jan. 16, the team hosts McKendree at 2 p.m. before welcoming Vanderbilt’s women’s team on Saturday, Jan. 17, for a 1 p.m. meet.

Track and Field
The indoor track and field season resumes this week when the Salukis head to the Indiana Invitational on Friday, Jan. 16, and Saturday, Jan. 17.

Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on X at @SIUSalukis, on Instagram at @siusalukis, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SalukiAthletics/. Fans can also download the “Salukis” Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.

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Ahen Kim Named Head Coach of Duke Volleyball

Published

29 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

WASHINGTON – After three years as head coach and nine years in the American University volleyball program, Ahen Kim has been named the new head coach of Duke University volleyball. Kim most recently led AU to a historic season in 2025, capturing the program’s first Patriot League title since 2019. He leaves American with a 44-25 overall record at the helm.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ahen for everything he has given to American University volleyball,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro. “His connection to this program runs deep, from his time as an assistant under Barry Goldberg during one of the most successful eras in our history to leading the program through an important transition as head coach. This past season’s Patriot League championship and NCAA Tournament berth were a testament to his leadership, commitment to our student-athletes, and belief in this program. While we will miss Ahen, we are proud of the work he has done at AU and understand the significance of the opportunity he has earned. We wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”

“I’m forever grateful to American University Volleyball and will cherish the time I’ve had coaching here both as an Assistant and as Head Coach,” said Kim. “It has been an honor to serve the program after Coach Barry, and I am extremely proud of the work by our student-athletes and staff to restore its competitive legacy. I want to thank President Alger, JM, Katie Benoit and the AU community for all the support for me and our program over the years. With the addition of the Meltzer Center and Goldberg Court, I know this program will continue to be a winner. AUVB will always be special to me and I wish the program continued success. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

As an assistant from 2012 to 2017 and a head coach since 2023, Kim has been synonymous with many of AU volleyball’s greatest moments. He was on the bench for five Patriot League championships and all three of AU’s NCAA Tournament wins, and returned in 2023 to find more success as a head coach. Kim led the Eagles to back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2023 and 2024, leading to one of the best campaigns in program history in 2025. American won 24 games up through the Patriot League final, with Kim guiding several players to unprecedented individual success. AU earned six All-Patriot League selections and took home all five major postseason awards, including the Coaching Staff of the Year distinction given to Kim and his assistants. In total as a head coach, Kim oversaw 12 All-Patriot League players, six major award winners, two AVCA All-Region selections, and two All-Americans.

With undeniable success on the court, Kim made an equal impact off the court. 30 of his players have landed on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and three players earned spots on the Academic All-Patriot League team in 2025, which recognizes both on-court and academic performance.

American University will conduct a national search for its next volleyball coach.

Keep up With Us

For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_V olleyball), Facebook (/AU.Volleyball) and Instagram (@au_volleyball).

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Bulldogs See Two First Place Finishes in First Chance Qualifier

Published

43 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Men’s Track and Field | 1/12/2026 2:21:00 PM

Wichita, Kan – McPherson College started their 2026 off with an indoor meet on the campus of Wichita State for the First Chance Qualifier. Following their Christmas break, the Bulldogs sought after a solid performance in their first meet of the new year.

The Basics
Location: Heskett Center

Women’s Highlights
In the Women’s 60m Hurdles, Blake Posey would run her personal best time of 9.47 and place 2^nd in the meet. Nina Zimmerman finished the Women’s 60m with a 9.24 personal record. Chloe Guzman, a dual-sport athlete for the Bulldogs (women’s soccer), would continue the personal best category after running a 9.40 in the Women’s 60m.
Johanna Walker’s mile time in the Women’s Mile was also a personal best time, running a 6:19.02; this would beat her previous best time by an astonishing 29 seconds.
In the throws department, Cara Shultz’s shot put would travel 12.44m for a personal best throw; she would have a personal-best weight throw of 15.14. In both event Schultz competed in, she placed fourth.

Men’s Highlights
For the men, Eric Brown began his indoor season with a time of 1:29.86 in the Men’s 600m. Lamar Gordon lit up the competition taking first place in the Shot Put and the Weight Throw events. His shot put would travel 15.29m and his weight throw landed at 17.99m.

Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Maryville, Missouri this upcoming weekend for the Coach Alsup Invitational hosted by Northwest Missouri State University on January 17^th.

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Granby adult volleyball standings (Jan. 5)

Published

45 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

**First place winners of the Granby volleyball tournament in April 2025, K-Town.**
*Granby Recreation Department/Courtesy photo*

As of Jan. 5, the Granby adult co-ed volleyball league has continued its season with some hard-hitting competition.

Results from last week’s games

Washed Up downed Net WERK
Timberline over Spike Tysons
CV Electric beat Sagebrush
Prather Plumbing beat Eastside Gang
Washed Up downed Ski Pigs
Spike Tysons over Liberty Spikes
Drowsy Water Ranch downed Float Goats
CV Electric beat Prather Plumbing
Ski Pigs downed Liberty Spikes
Drowsy Water Ranch over Timberline
Float Goats beat Sagebrush
Net WERK over Eastside Gang
Drowsy Water downed Ski Pigs

League Standings as of Jan. 5

Washed Up 8-0
Drowsy Water Ranch 8-1
Timberline 7-2
Float Goats 6-2
CV Electric 6-3
Sagebrush 5-4
Net WERK 5-4
Prather Plumbing 4-5
Spike Tysons 2-7
Ski Pigs 2-7
Eastside Gang 0-9
Liberty Spikes 0-9

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