Sports
House v. NCAA settlement approved
The NCAA’s 119-year amateurism model died Friday with a judge’s pen as the landmark House v. NCAA antitrust settlement received final approval, opening the door for millions of dollars to be shared between schools and players for the first time.
U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken gave final approval of the landmark settlement after five years of litigation, ending with nearly one year of discussions and tweaks after the NCAA and power conferences initially voted to settle the suit in 2024. The $2.8 billion, 10-year settlement will pay past players for missed name, image and likeness opportunities and allow colleges to pay current players directly starting July 1.
NCAA president Charlie Baker penned a letter in response to the landmark settlement.
“Approving the agreement reached by the NCAA, the defendant conferences and student-athletes in the settlement opens a pathway to begin stabilizing college sports,” Baker wrote. “This new framework that enables schools to provide direct financial benefits to student-athletes and establishes clear and specific rules to regulate third-party NIL agreements marks a huge step forward for college sports.”
Schools can share as much as $20.5 million of their revenues with players during the upcoming academic year. The settlement also includes $2.8 billion in back payments for athletes who competed between 2016 and 2024. The new revenue-sharing cap will increase by at least 4% each year during the 10-year agreement.
The House settlement’s final approval was twice delayed in April after the judge echoed objectors’ concerns over imposing roster limits on current players, one of the pillars of the settlement. Schools were cutting players from rosters in the spring, even though the settlement had yet to be approved, complicating discussions during settlement hearings. The judge asked attorneys to craft a plan to allow current players to be “grandfathered in” with the new roster limits. The NCAA, power conferences and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit instead offered a compromise: schools have the option to keep current players on their rosters and temporarily exceed new limits until their eligibility expires.
The new roster limits were expected to lead to the cutting of nearly 5,000 athletes from teams across the NCAA’s 43 sponsored sports. Some sports will increase roster limits compared to previous years, but many will be trimmed despite offering unlimited scholarships within those new thresholds. Football rosters will shrink to 105 players, resulting in schools cutting more than 20 players, though most schools are expected to exceed those limits by grandfathering in current athletes.
The House v. NCAA class-action antitrust lawsuit was filed in 2020 by Arizona State swimmer Grant House and women’s college basketball player Sedona Prince seeking an injunction against the NCAA and Power Five conferences. It sought to lift restrictions on revenue sharing of media rights revenues. Powerful antitrust attorneys Steve Berman and Jeffrey Kessler represented the plaintiffs.
The settlement resolved three antitrust suits: Carter v. NCAA, House v. NCAA and Hubbard v. NCAA.
NCAA rules have long prohibited players from cashing in on their NIL, but that changed July 1, 2021 when the organization began allowing players to earn money from third parties and collectives. The House settlement will enable schools, for the first time, to pay players directly.
How schools plan to divvy up to $20.5 million among their sports has been a point of contention, with no legal framework to follow. Most schools are expected to mirror the back-payment formula outlined in the $2.8 billion settlement. That means roughly 75% of future revenue will be shared with football players, 15% to men’s basketball, 5% to women’s basketball and 5% to all remaining sports. Some schools have opted to mirror the gross revenue each sport averages, which could lead to more than 85% of the salary pool being set aside for football players.
How revenue-sharing will affect skyrocketing NIL deals among third parties is unknown. Still, those deals with third parties and collectives outside the revenue-sharing plan will soon face intense scrutiny from a new enforcement entity starting July 1. Experts believe it will help curb “pay-for-play” schemes between boosters and players far beyond perceived market values. Many multi-million dollar deals with high-profile players were struck in the months before the House settlement’s approval so that those deals would not be scrutinized by the enforcement entity, which does not have authority until July 1.
The power conferences are expected to soon announce the College Sports Commission, an organization tasked to oversee the settlement’s terms and enforce new rules. The power conferences hired Deloitte and LBI, major players in revenue management for professional sports, to develop software to dissect NIL deals and track players’ revenue-sharing contracts. The CSC will police NIL deals over $600 with a new clearinghouse called “NIL Go,” sources told CBS Sports. Deloitte will use data from past endorsement deals with athletes to review boosters’ NIL deals and determine whether an agreement exceeds an athlete’s fair market value.
Schools’ revenue-sharing payouts will be monitored by an enforcement arm called “CAP,” sources said.
NIL deals under scrutiny will be subject to an arbitration process, which could speed up decisions on eligibility and penalties under the new system. The NCAA, which had become toothless in NIL enforcement as it was challenged legally state to state, will not be directly involved in enforcing NIL deals.
“I certainly think that’s something we’ll have to work with on a coordinated basis, but on some level … that could be a really nice way – and it has an arbitration process, and it can do fact finding,” NCAA president Charlie Baker said last week. “There’s a lot to like about that.”
Schools are expected to pay Deloitte as little as $5,000 or as much as $500,000 for the software, according to documents shared with athletic departments last week.
Power conference commissioners react
The newly-formed CSC released a statement shortly after the settlement was finalized with remarks from every power conference commisioner.
“This is a significant moment for college athletics that will provide unparalleled opportunities for student-athletes,” ACC commisioner Jim Phillips said. “We look forward to implementing this new system which offers much-needed transparency and structure to create a more sustainable model for the long-term future of college athletics.”
“We look forward to implementing this historic settlement designed to bring stability, integrity and competitive balance to college athletics while increasing both scholarship and revenue opportunities for student-athletes in all sports,” Big Ten commisioner Tony Petitti said.
“As we enter this new era of college athletics, it is crucial we do so with structure, transparency, and the success of student-athletes in mind — this settlement and new model will ensure that happens,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to implement this new system that prioritizes fairness and opportunity for all student-athletes and institutions.”
“It’s a new day in collegiate athletics,” Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould said. “This historic moment allows us to maintain what makes college sports special, the development of young individuals through sport, while also evolving to meet today’s student-athletes where they are with new opportunities in a manner that provides long-term stability for collegiate athletics. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues as we implement and introduce the future of college sports.”
“The approval of the House settlement agreement represents a significant milestone for the meaningful support of our student-athletes and a pivotal step toward establishing long-term sustainability for college sports, two of the Southeastern Conference’s top priorities,” SEC commisioner Greg Sankey said. “As the journey to modernize collegiate sports continues, we remain focused on identifying and implementing innovative opportunities for our student-athletes across all sports while maintaining the core values that make collegiate athletics uniquely meaningful.”
IRVINE, Calif. – The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team was picked second in the preseason Big West coaches’ poll while a trio of Rainbow Warriors were named to the seven-member preseason team – setter Tread Rosenthal, outside hitter Adrien Roure, and opposite Kristian Titriyski.
UH received 22 total points and trailed preseason favorite Long Beach State (24 points, 4 first-place votes). UC Irvine (21 points) was third followed by a three-way tie for fourth between CSUN (9), UC San Diego (9), and UC Santa Barbara (9).
Hawai’i returns five starters — Tread Rosenthal, Adrien Roure, Kristian Titriyski, Justin Todd, and Louis Sakanoko — and 12 lettermen from last year’s squad that finished 27-6 and advanced to the NCAA Championship semifinals. Rosenthal and Roure were AVCA first-team All-Americans while Titriyski was named to the second team.
LBSU had two players on the preseason team – Alex Kandev and Skyler Varga – while UCSB (George Bruening) and CSUN (Jalen Phillips) both had one.
The Rainbow Warriors, who captured their fourth Big West Championship title last season, were picked No. 2 in the AVCA Preseason Top 20 Coaches poll behind UCLA. Hawai’i garnered seven first place votes, two more than Long Beach State, who was third.
2026 Big West Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Rk. Team – Points (1st Place Votes)
1. Long Beach State – 24 (4)
2. Hawai’i – 22 (2)
3. UC Irvine – 17
T4. CSUN – 9
T4. UC San Diego – 9
T4. UC Santa Barbara – 9
2026 Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team
George Bruening, R-So., Outside Hitter, UC Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, Calif.
Alex Kandev, So., Outside Hitter, Long Beach State, Sofia, Bulgaria
Jalen Phillips, R-Jr., Opposite Hitter, CSUN, Anaheim, Calif.
Tread Rosenthal, Jr., Setter, Hawai’i, Austin, Texas
Adrien Roure, So, Outside Hitter, Hawai’i, Lyon, France
Kristian Titriyski, So., Opposite Hitter, Hawai’i, Sofia, Bulgaria
Skyler Varga, R-Sr., Opposite Hitter, Long Beach State, Muenster, Saskatchewan
#HawaiiMVB
Phillips earned a nod to the preseason team for the first time, joining George Bruening of UC Santa Barbara, Alex Kandev and Skyler Varga of Long Beach State, along with Tread Rosenthal, Adrien Roure, and Kristian Titriyski of Hawai’i on the Preseason Coaches’ Team.
Phillips, a first-team AVCA All-America and first-team All-Big West selection in 2025, became the first Matador named to the AVCA first-team since Kevin McKniff and Jacek Ratazczak in 2010. He was a three-time Big West Offensive Player of the Week (Jan. 20, Feb. 24, Apr. 14) last season, leading CSUN with a career-high 456 kills, while averaging 4.22 kills per set, which ranked second in the Big West and fourth in the nation. Phillips also finished his sophomore season ranked third in the Big West in points, averaging 4.81 per set, and was 13th in hitting percentage at .293.
In the Preseason Poll, the Matadors received nine points from the conference’s head coaches and were predicted to tie for fourth with UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara, which also received nine points.
Defending national champions Long Beach State earned the top spot in the poll for the second straight season, picking up four first-place votes and 24 total points in the voting. Hawai’i earned the other two first-place votes and 22 total points for second, with UC Irvine earning 17 points for third. With nine points, the trio of the Matadors, Tritons, and Gauchos round out the polling in the vote by the league’s six head coaches.
“I’m sure the Big West will be exactly what we expect it to be; it’s the best volleyball conference in the country,” said head coach Theo Edwards. “All six Big West teams are ranked in the preseason top-20 of the AVCA national poll, so I know the guys on this team will embrace the challenge ahead and are poised to make some noise in the Big West this season.”
As they’ve done 21 times in the last 22 seasons, the Matadors open the season at the annual UCSB Invitational at Robertson Gym. CSUN will meet Maryville University, Harvard, and Kentucky State over the three-day tournament, which runs from Jan. 8-10.
In addition to Phillips, CSUN returns a host of starters in 2026, including outside hitter Joao Avila, middle blockers Joao Favarim and Shane Nhem, and libero Chris Karnezis. The Matadors also welcome a talented group of newcomers in 2026, including redshirt sophomore setter Owen Douphner, who steps in for departed senior All-American Donovan Constable.
The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2026 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship at the Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine from April 23-25, 2026. All six conference members will vie for The Big West’s automatic berth into the national postseason bracket.
#GoMatadors
LA JOLLA, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball was picked to finish in a tie for fourth in the 2026 Big West Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the conference announced today.
The loaded Big West also sees all six of the conference’s teams ranked in the national AVCA preseason poll. The Tritons are No. 10 nationally.
Long Beach State was picked to win The Big West by the conference’s head coaches after winning the national championship last season. UC San Diego’s projected fourth place finish is the same as the Tritons’ actual finish in 2025 after they went 18-12 overall and 3-7 in Big West play.
The 2026 Triton men’s volleyball season begins at home on January 6 against Jessup. The team’s Big West opener will also be at home as the Tritons host CSUN on March 3. Season and single game tickets are both on sale now.
The Tritons will face each Big West opponent home and away this season with the exception of Hawai’i, who will play in La Jolla twice. The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2026 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship will be April 23-25 on the campus of UC Irvine.
| 2026 Big West Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll | ||
| Rank | Institution | Points |
| 1. | Long Beach State | 24 (4) |
| 2. | Hawai’i | 22 (2) |
| 3. | UC Irvine | 17 |
| T-4. | UC San Diego | 9 |
| CSUN | 9 | |
| UC Santa Barbara | 9 | |
About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.
IRVINE, Calif. – The Big West Conference released its 2026 Men’s Volleyball All-Conference Preseason Team on Monday, with UC Santa Barbara’s George Bruening earning preseason honors. Bruening was named to the team alongside players from No. 2 Hawai’i, No. 3 Long Beach State, and No. 11 CSUN.
Bruening exited the 2025 season with a spot on the All-Freshman team as well as a First Team Honorable Mention. He was also recognized as the SBART Men’s Volleyball Athlete of the Year. He averaged 2.97 kills per set and hit .299, the highest on the team.
Additionally, UC Santa Barbara was voted to finish fourth in the conference. Their first match of 2026 will take place on Jan. 8 at 2:00 p.m. versus Kentucky State in Rob Gym.
The Big West Preseason Coaches’ Poll
| Rank / Institution | Points (First Place Votes) |
| 1. Long Beach State | 24 (4) |
| 2. Hawai’i | 22 (2) |
| 3. UC Irvine | 17 |
| T-4. CSUN | 9 |
| T-4. UC San Diego | 9 |
| T-4. UC Santa Barbara | 9 |
The Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team
| Student-Athlete | Institution | Position | Year | Hometown |
| George Bruening | UC Santa Barbara | OH | R-So. | Newport Beach, Calif. |
| Alex Kandev | Long Beach State | OH | So. | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Jalen Phillips | CSUN | OPP | R.-Jr. | Anaheim, Calif. |
| Tread Rosenthal | Hawai’i | S | Jr. | Austin, Texas |
| Adrien Roure | Hawai’i | OH | So. | Lyon, France |
| Kristian Titriyski | Hawai’i | OPP | So. | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Skyler Varga | Long Beach State | OPP | R.-Sr. | Muenster, Saskatchewan |
Lindsey has served as an Academic Advisor at SIUE since 2008 and graduated from OVC member institution UT Martin, where she was a standout volleyball student-athlete and helped the Skyhawks to two regular season conference championships. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2002 OVC tournament.
“This is heartbreaking for all who knew Lindsey,” said Andrew Gavin, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics. “She has long been a beloved member of our athletics family, because of her infectious energy, positive attitude, and incredibly helpful and loving heart. She has provided so much support and love to countless current and past Cougar student-athletes.”
Lindsey was a member of the student-athlete success team at SIUE, working hand in hand with Deputy AD Jaci DeClue for nearly two decades. Lindsey’s support and passion helped student-athletes at SIUE achieve incredible results academically, with 39 consecutive semesters posting a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. In November, SIUE was recognized as having the top Graduation Success Rate nationally among Division I public institutions.
“Lindsey was a source of light and warmth to all who knew her, with the remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and special through her kindness, humility, and genuine care for others,” DeClue shared. “During her 17 years at SIUE, she played a vital role in building an academic support program that served thousands of student-athletes, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and lasting impact.
“It was truly an honor to work alongside Lindsey for the past 17 years and to witness firsthand the difference she made every single day. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues, students, and all whose lives were made better by knowing her, and SIUE Athletics will not be the same without her.”
In 2024, she was awarded the Thurston Banks Award by the Ohio Valley Conference, an award that recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to OVC student-athletes’ academic success and learning and development.
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