NIL

Texas Colleges Could Soon Pay Athletes for First Time

A bill making its way through the Texas legislature could see the state’s colleges pay their student athletes for the first time. The Texas state senate unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow universities to enter into name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals directly with their athletes, either as compensation for team-sanctioned events […]

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A bill making its way through the Texas legislature could see the state’s colleges pay their student athletes for the first time.

The Texas state senate unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow universities to enter into name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals directly with their athletes, either as compensation for team-sanctioned events in which they participate or as an incentive for enrollment.

This differs from previous NIL legislation, which allowed deals to be struck between intercollegiate athletes and outside parties such as advertisers.

Why It Matters

Compensating student athletes has remained a contentious issue given the popularity and profitability of college sports in the United States, with many arguing the athletes themselves should be entitled to a share of the revenue they generate. Supporters of the current bill argue that this will also give colleges extra leverage to ensure talent is not lost to other states.

Opponents, however, maintain that providing students with compensation beyond scholarships could undermine educational integrity and the longstanding amateurism model of collegiate sports.

With one of the largest student athlete populations in the country, behind only California, the landmark Texas bill could see more states following suit.

What To Know

The NIL compensation bill passed through the Texas House in April and the Senate Education Committee earlier this month. Representative Carl Tepper, who drafted House Bill 126, told lawmakers during one debate: “We will be killing college football in Texas if we do not pass this bill.”

According to the amended bill, which passed in the Senate on Tuesday, student athletes will still be barred from receiving compensation for the endorsement of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, as well as steroids, gambling, firearms or any “sexually oriented business.”

Texas longhorns — The Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 10, 2025.

Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

The legislation follows several high-profile challenges to the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) rules regarding student athlete compensation. This includes the imminent settlement in House v. NCAA, a class-action lawsuit filed by several college athletes against the Association and its five largest conferences.

The parties agreed to pay just under $2.8 billion in back damages to student-athletes who competed between 2016 and 2024 but were denied NIL benefits during their college attendance. The settlement still awaits final approval from United States District Judge Claudia Wilken.

Senator Brandon Creighton, who sponsored the latest bill in the Texas Senate, cited the NCAA settlement as a motivation, saying: “We have to continue to work – especially with settlements like this – to bring any common sense and consistency possible to what has been considered the Wild West for name, image, and likeness and paying college athletes.”

What People Are Saying

Texas state Representative Mitch Little, during a debate in April: “The university enters into an NIL contract with a student athlete [and] says: ‘We’re going to pay you $4 million to come and play college football here.’ And then they get on campus, and the university decides ‘you stink. We’re not going to pay you the rest of this NIL contract.’ What am I supposed to tell that student athlete?”

What Happens Next

The Texas compensation bill now awaits the signature of Governor Greg Abbott and could take effect as soon as September 1, according to The Texas Tribune.

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Historic House v. NCAA settlement to benefit Seton Hall’s basketball programs

June 6 will be remembered as a day that changed the world of college sports forever—especially for both student-athletes and small universities like Seton Hall. After five years of litigation, Judge Claudia Ann Wilken approved the House v. NCAA settlement on Friday. Starting July 1, universities will be able to directly share revenue with their […]

Published

2 minutes ago

June 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

June 6 will be remembered as a day that changed the world of college sports forever—especially for both student-athletes and small universities like Seton Hall.

After five years of litigation, Judge Claudia Ann Wilken approved the House v. NCAA settlement on Friday. Starting July 1, universities will be able to directly share revenue with their student-athletes for the first time in history—bringing an end to a system based on “amateurism” that stood for over 100 years.

The class-action lawsuit was filed in 2020 by Grant House and Sedona Prince, two former student-athletes who believed the NCAA’s rules which prevented them from compensating, despite them generating immense revenue for their respective universities, was unfair and exploitative. They also sought damages for student-athletes like themselves who lost NIL opportunities to profit before the NCAA’s 2021 policy change, which allowed compensation from third parties and collectives for that very reason.

While intended for student-athletes, the landmark decision benefits others as well. To ensure an equitable distribution of revenue and a level playing field, a key component of the $2.8 billion settlement is an annual cap system that allows universities to share up to $20.5 million directly with student-athletes. With universities held to the same revenue-sharing standard, this part of the settlement will be beneficial to smaller universities—like SHU—who struggle to compete with larger universities that have greater access to resources and funding.

As previously discussed in The Setonian, a lack of resources was a detriment to SHU’s men’s basketball program last year. Amidst what was the worst season in program history, NJ.com reported that SHU’s NIL budget was an estimated $1.5 million—the lowest in the conference.

With the settlement, that budget will increase exponentially, and the future of the men’s basketball program will look brighter than last year may have suggested.

As such, the news of the settlement was well-received and embraced by the SHU community—especially the university’s athletics department. On Tuesday, just a few days after the news, SHU Director of Athletics Bryan Felt discussed the settlement and its impact on the university in a press release posted to the university’s athletics website.

“This past weekend marked a defining moment not just in the history of college athletics, but in the heart of the game we all love,” Felt said.

Before discussing the settlement, Felt first ensured that the university’s mission and commitment to its student-athletes hadn’t changed following its approval.

“First, let me say this: our commitment to excellence has never wavered,” he said. “Our overall mission, as we have navigated the constant changes within college athletics, has [always] been the commitment to our student-athletes and how we position ourselves for long-term success.”

Following what was a tough year for SHU basketball, especially for the men’s program, Felt thanked the community for being “the heartbeat of the program(s)” and staying loyal “through [both the] highs and lows.”

“You’ve packed Prudential Center and Walsh Gym, followed us on the road, believed in our student-athletes, and lived and breathed Pirate Blue,” Felt said. “[And] for that, I thank you deeply.”

Felt said that the university’s “revenue sharing efforts will be geared towards men’s and women’s basketball,” something that most schools will not be able to do because they have to divide their revenue amongst their football and basketball programs, with the former taking a majority.

Along with other Big East universities, SHU’s lack of a football program will allow them to invest almost exclusively in their basketball programs.

Felt also added that by switching to a roster cap model, SHU Athletics can offer more student-athletes scholarship opportunities across 14 varsity sports.

In anticipation of the settlement’s approval, Felt said that Athletics had been working tirelessly to “ensure Seton Hall not only adapts but thrives in this new era” of revenue-sharing and student-athlete compensation.

“We have had to make difficult decisions that include operational reductions, and I’m deeply grateful to our university administration and campus partners for their collaboration throughout this critical planning process,” Felt said.

And yet, although Athletics is responsible for providing the framework for the future of the university’s athletic programs, Felt called on the support of the Pirate community to help that future become a reality.

“Your support—whether through ticket sales, donations to the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund, corporate partnerships, or simply showing up and making noise—fuels (our programs),” he said. “It ensures Seton Hall remains a force in the Big East and on the national stage.”

Felt concluded the press release by emphasizing that collaboration between the university’s department and fans is key to not only helping SHU return to its former glory and but also for the university to become a leader in this new era of college sports.

“Let’s show the world that Seton Hall is ready—not just to play, but to lead,” Felt said.

Zachary Mawby is the head editor of The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at zachary.mawby@student.shu.edu.

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Cirovski Announces 2025 Maryland Men’s Soccer Schedule

Story Links 2025 Schedule Get A Maryland Pride Pass COLLEGE PARK, MD — Maryland men’s soccer head coach Sasho Cirovski has announced the schedule for the 2025 season. The schedule features non-conference road match-ups against Wake Forest and Georgetown, as […]

Published

5 minutes ago

June 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

COLLEGE PARK, MD — Maryland men’s soccer head coach Sasho Cirovski has announced the schedule for the 2025 season. The schedule features non-conference road match-ups against Wake Forest and Georgetown, as well as a home contest against Pitt. In conference play, the Terrapins host the likes of Northwestern, Michigan, Rutgers, Indiana, and Washington at Ludwig Field.

“We are excited about the challenge that this schedule will pose for our squad as we head into the season”, said Coach Cirovski. With a strong group returning players and talented newcomers coming into the fold, we are thrilled with where this team is as we prepare for the 2025 campaign. The goal at Maryland as always is to strive for excellence and compete for championships, and we believe this schedule will prepare us for the tasks ahead.”

The Terrapins open their 2025 season on the road against Wake Forest on Aug. 21, a rematch of the 2024 NCAA Tournament second round meeting. The Terps then return to the DMV on Aug. 25, as they travel to the Nation’s Capital to face Georgetown.

The Terps return to Ludwig for their first home match of the season, hosting Bucknell on Aug. 29 for the first Friday Night Lights match of the season. This begins a three-game home stand where the Terps will also face Saint Francis (Sept. 1) and Pacific (Sept. 6).

Maryland begins Big Ten play on the road in 2025, traveling to Wisconsin on Sept. 12. The Terps then return home for a match against Pitt on Sept. 19.

This will mark the first meeting during the regular season between the Terps and the Panthers since the 2013 season, when both teams were members of the ACC. The Terps defeated the Panthers in that last meeting by a score of 2-0 at Ludwig Field.

Maryland closes out the month of September with a pair of conference opponents, first traveling to State College for a road match against Penn State on Sept. 23. The Terrapins then return home to College Park to face Northwestern on Sept. 26

The Terps open up the month of October with a trip out west to face UCLA on Oct. 3. The match will be the 15th all-time between the Terps and the Bruins, with the series tied at 6-6-2. The two programs met last season in College Park, playing to a 1-1 draw.

This is followed by two home matches for Maryland, first hosting Michigan on Oct. 10. After a home contest with the Wolverines, the Terps host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Oct. 14. The Terps then hit the road to the Buckeye State for a match against Ohio State on Oct. 18.

The Terps finish October with a three-pack of contests at Ludwig Field, beginning with an Oct. 24 fixture against Indiana. The Terps then face New Haven (Oct. 27), before closing out the month on Halloween Night against Washington.

The Terps will close out the regular season on the road, traveling to East Lansing to face Michigan State on Nov. 7.

Game times for the season are subject to change, with television designations announced at a later date.

Eight starters from the 2024 squad will return for the Terps, including First Team All-Big Ten performer Leon Koehl, Second Team All-Big Ten honoree Colin, as well as Big Ten All-Freshman Team goalkeeper Laurin Mack.

Terp fans can now purchase a Maryland Athletics Pride Pass for the upcoming athletic season for $99. The Pride Pass is an all-Olympic sports season ticket that admits the holder to all events for the following sports: Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Volleyball, Men’s Lacrosse, Women’s Lacrosse, Wrestling, and Baseball. Terrapin Club members can purchase a Pride Pass for $89. To receive this discounted offer, click the link here to login and the discounted price will be displayed.

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College football, basketball or other? How schools will share revenue

Kirby Smart on college football’s future Kirby Smart urges leaders to prioritize the game’s future over personal or conference agendas in playoff talks. How much capped revenue share money will each team within an athletic department receive? That’s left to schools to decide. Welcome to “Capology.” Conventional wisdom will lead many schools to distribute most […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

How much capped revenue share money will each team within an athletic department receive? That’s left to schools to decide. Welcome to “Capology.”
Conventional wisdom will lead many schools to distribute most of their revenue share allotment to football and men’s basketball, but opportunities exist for deviations.
Schools’ autonomy opens the door for some outside-the-box spending ideation. Schools have the chance to identify and spend on the sports that matter most to their fans and school fabric.

They’re playing a new game at college athletic departments. We’ll call it “Capology,” and game play tasks athletic directors to be the banker.

A legal settlement approved June 6 authorizes schools to directly pay athletes from athletic department coffers in the form of revenue sharing, beginning July 1. That revenue sharing will be capped this year at about $20.5 million per school.

Athletes’ separate NIL deals brokered with outside entities won’t count against a school’s revenue share cap.

How much capped revenue share money will each team within an athletic department receive? That’s left to individual schools to decide.

Commissioners from the Power Four conferences plus the rebuilt Pac-12 confirmed their schools retain the authority to determine the percentage breakdown of how they’ll distribute their capped allotment with their teams.

Decisions, decisions, for athletic directors tasked to dole out the dough.

“Things get very political really quick of who gets what resources,” Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon said, “but I think you’ve got to continue to invest in programs that generate the revenue. That’s No. 1.

“And No. 2, would be, what’s the fabric of your school? For us, at Mississippi State, baseball is a huge deal.”

Selmon’s assessment holds true to the way many athletic directors view this: The top revenue-generating sports of football and men’s basketball will get the lion’s share of revenue share dollars – about 90% combined across the two sports – with a smaller fraction going to women’s basketball, and other bedrock sports that help form the school’s identity will receive the leftover dollars.

MAJOR BOOST: The teams that benefit from playoff expansion

BIG FALL: SEC propaganda campaign shows it’s no longer top playoff dog

Within the SEC, at least, it’s widely believed many schools will use a baseline distribution model that uses the settlement’s backpay formula as a guide. Using this model, about 75% of a school’s revenue sharing cap will go to the football program, with about 15% going to men’s basketball, 5% to women’s basketball, and 5% for other sports.

Those 75-15-5-5 percentages, though, are not mandated, either within the SEC or beyond.

The breakdown could vary, as an institution sees fit.

“Conference to conference, school to school, sport revenue share allocations will vary based on several factors,” Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said.

Schools’ autonomy opens the door for some outside-the-box thinkers to emerge within “Capology.” This, too, is an opportunity for schools to identify and spend on the sports that matter most to their fans, and where they think they can win big.

“We’re giving our institutions discretion,” Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said, a sentiment echoed by the other power conference commissioners, “and they want that discretion.”

Conventional wisdom versus outside-the-box spending

Take Wisconsin, as an example.

The Badgers’ women’s basketball team last made the NCAA Tournament 15 years ago. Its robust volleyball program nearly doubles the women’s basketball team’s average attendance. Why shouldn’t Wisconsin zig where others zag and apply a higher percentage of its revenue sharing dollars toward volleyball, and less toward women’s basketball?

I’m thinking that rationale should apply, too, to Nebraska and Penn State, where powerhouse volleyball programs outperform and outdraw women’s basketball.

These Big Ten schools I’ve referenced have not disclosed their distribution percentage plan. I’m just spit-balling some “Capology” spending ideas that could allow schools to further excel in sports where they typically thrive.

Here’s another test subject: Florida women’s basketball last made a Sweet 16 in 1998, and its attendance limps behind SEC peers. The Gators’ softball program is a Women’s College World Series regular. Might Florida be better off spending less than SEC peers on women’s hoops and more on softball, in an attempt to gain separation in a diamond sport that enjoys relevance within the SEC?

In contrast, South Carolina and LSU shouldn’t put women’s basketball on the back burner. There, the women’s basketball teams outperform and outdraw their men’s counterparts. So, should the men’s programs really receive so much more in revenue sharing than the women?

“I think we need to be a little more generous than 5%,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley told The State newspaper earlier this year, referencing the 5% baseline within the SEC for women’s basketball. “That’s my feel on it.”

Who could blame Staley for believing her team shouldn’t be shortchanged? It’s up to her institution, though, to decide how to divvy up the money. A school could even try to outspend South Carolina women’s basketball to try to accelerate past the Gamecocks.

Many schools will follow conventional wisdom on how dollars should be spent, but the opportunity exists to break from the mold.

Texas Tech revealed it plans to share 17 to 18% with its men’s basketball team, which reached the Elite Eight last season, and 2% to its women’s basketball team, which last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2013.

Priorities, right?

Football will receive most revenue share, but how much?

Consider a school that usually struggles in football. Should it allocate a smaller revenue share percentage to football than its peers and apply more money toward other sports? Perhaps, that’s worth mulling at schools where basketball or Olympic sports shine. Here’s an alternate idea: If you’re lagging in football, spend an even higher percentage of your allotment on football than the baseline, to try to close the talent gap.

Indiana showed how quickly a football team can transform from irrelevant to playoff qualifier in an era in which players may transfer without penalty.

Is it worth the risk to spend big, though, to play catchup, knowing that strategy would reduce the revenue share money available for other sports? That’s a question athletic directors must ponder.

Schools aren’t required to publicly disclose their distribution percentage plan, either, meaning one school won’t necessarily know exactly how its distribution model compares to another school.

Football revenues provide the financial lifeblood of college sports, but nothing says a basketball blueblood couldn’t spend less of its revenue share allotment on football, as compared to the industry standard, and outpace its peers on basketball spending.

“There will be some institutions that might give 60% to football and 20% to men’s basketball, or any variation one could think of,” Castiglione said, speaking in general terms and not in reference to a particular school. “That’s an institutional choice.”

Just another decision when playing “Capology.”

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

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Ella Toone launches creative agency to help women's footballers

Ella Toone has launched her own creative agency. Credit: Amicizia StudiosEngland and Manchester United star Ella Toone has launched Amicizia Studios, a creative agency aimed to help women’s footballers enhance their brand. Partnering with her long-term agent, James Marshall, Toone hopes to help female athletes maximise their earning potential. This is by bridging the sponsorship […]

Published

5 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ella Toone launches creative agency to help women's footballers

Ella Toone has launched her own creative agency

Partnering with her long-term agent, James Marshall, Toone hopes to help female athletes maximise their earning potential.

This is by bridging the sponsorship gap in women’s football, where over 50% of Women’s Super League (WSL) players lack brand deals.

In a vision statement from Amicizia, as reported by Forbes, the company stated: “We’re not just here to get players a few deals; we’re here to build them into household names, showcasing their personalities, securing the recognition they deserve, and ensuring they receive proper fees.”

Amicizia Studios will offer services including content development (such as YouTube, podcasts, and documentaries), creative consultancy, and PR to connect athletes with brands.

Toone is Manchester United’s leading appearance maker and goalscorer with 61 goals in 188 appearances. She will also be part of the England squad aiming to defend their European Championship next month.

Why is Ella Toone launching a creative agency?

Ella Toone has launched Amicizia Studios to address the lack of brand sponsorships for WSL players, with half of them currently without deals.

Explaining her decision, she told Marketing Week: “There’s a really big gap in the market. Women’s football is growing, and more brands can be involved.”

As per Forbes, her manager James Marshall added: “Ella’s personality goes beyond football; she’s a natural storyteller.

Ella Toone has launched Manchester-Inspired Creative Agency “Amicizia Studios”, in partnership with manager James Marshall.

With over 50% of WSL players currently without sponsorship, Amicizia aims to help emerging and established female athletes enhance their brand. pic.twitter.com/HdtHn8pYDC

— Kathryn Batte (@KathrynBatte) June 12, 2025

“Through Amicizia, we want to give brands, athletes, and organisations the tools and expertise to create outstanding campaigns and content in the women’s game.

“The women’s football space is evolving fast, and brands are more engaged than ever. We’re excited to help tell these stories and drive impactful collaborations.”

Toone aims to help female athletes build their brands through partnerships in sports, fashion, and lifestyle sectors.

The Lionesses star has been building her own brand away from the football pitch. In 2023, she trademarked her own name and launched the ET7 brand. She also runs her own academy for young girls, led by FA-accredited coaches.

Toone is also one-half of the popular ‘Tooney and Russo Show’ podcast alongside England teammate Alessia Russo.

Toone included in England’s Euro 2025 squad

Ella Toone was named in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player England squad for this summer’s Euros.

The Manchester United star scored the opening goal in England’s 2-1 victory over Germany in the Euro 2022 final three years ago.

She has become a vital part of the England squad, with 19 goals in 58 international appearances.

Toone missed two months of action for Manchester United this past season, after suffering a torn calf. She returned with a hat-trick for Manchester United against local rivals Man City, back in January.

NIL

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Becomes College Basketball’s Top NIL Earner

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Becomes College Basketball’s Top NIL Earner originally appeared on Athlon Sports. BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is already turning heads before the 2025-26 college basketball season. As the No. 1 player in the country, he’s already projected as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But his moves off the court are just […]

Published

6 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Becomes College Basketball’s Top NIL Earner originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is already turning heads before the 2025-26 college basketball season. As the No. 1 player in the country, he’s already projected as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But his moves off the court are just as good.

Dybantsa saw a significant jump in his On3 NIL valuation recently. He moved up to $4.1 million and cracked the top five for the first time in his career. As it stands now, the 6-foot-9 power forward is only $200K away from Miami QB Carson Beck at No. 2 ($4.3M) and $100K from Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith ($4.2M). Arch Manning is firmly at the top with a valuation of $6.8 million.

However, Dybantsa is the top college basketball earner after landing deals with Nike and Red Bull. Dybantsa is on a contract with BYU to receive over $7 million this season, according to Adam Zagoria of the New York Times. An NIL offering he denied at the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Related: BYU Basketball Shows Interest in Rising International Star

BYU has picked up the pace on the NIL trail very quickly. One of the biggest contributors is Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith. But underneath it all is Kevin Young. The Cougars coach came to Provo after being an NBA assistant for the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers. His detailed guidance and pro-ready approach is why Dybantsa decided to sign with BYU.

Related: BYU Cracks ESPN’s Future Power Rankings Top 25

As the season quickly approaches, Dybantsa will be part of the most hype-filled year in BYU Basketball history. The Cougars projected starting lineup has many national outlets putting them as a national title contender and on a level playing field in the Big 12 with Houston, who is coming off a heartbreaking loss in the National Championship to Florida.

The upcoming season will be fun to watch as Dybantsa has already said he’s one-and-done before turning pro.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.

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The Dirty Nil Drop Urgent Single 'Rock N' Roll Band'

The Dirty Nil have shared the latest taste of upcoming album ‘The Lash’ in the form of urgent single ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’. With ‘The Lash’ set for release on July 25 via Dine Alone Records, it follows recent single ‘Gallop Of The Hounds’. A razor-sharp gut-punch of a track, on ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ […]

Published

6 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Dirty Nil Drop Urgent Single 'Rock N' Roll Band'

The Dirty Nil have shared the latest taste of upcoming album ‘The Lash’ in the form of urgent single ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’.

With ‘The Lash’ set for release on July 25 via Dine Alone Records, it follows recent single ‘Gallop Of The Hounds’.

A razor-sharp gut-punch of a track, on ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ frontman Luke Bentham has shared:

“This is the first song I wrote for The Lash… I don’t remember what particular aspect of the industry had got my goat that day but I’d worked myself up to a fine lather. I blasted out the whole song in 30 minutes and instantly felt better. Though the song is pretty negative, it makes me happy. This one is for all the road dogs, we salute you.”

Take a listen below:

[embedded content]

‘The Lash’ will arrive ahead of the band’s return to the UK when they will play London on October 25 and Leeds on the 26th as part of the Common Thread tour with Hot Water Music, Spanish Love Songs, Comeback Kid and Joyce Manor.

Check out the artwork and tracklisting for the album below: