The “big breakaway” now seems to be right around the corner. It’s been hinted at, speculated and discussed for years: a growing possibility of some combination of the power conferences detaching themselves from the current NCAA structure.
The concept has never been more likely. On Thursday, Ninth District judge Claudia Wilken is expected to give preliminary approval to the House v. NCAA settlement. Among the conditions is a tranche of revenue-sharing money that will change college athletics significantly in this already dizzying age.
Schools will be given the option of funding up to 22% of their annual revenue — an average of about $23 million per school — to be set aside annually for athletes for the next 10 years beginning next year. In essence, it is true pay for play … with conditions.
If the separation of FBS isn’t imminent, the mechanisms are definitely in place. The Power Four are already likely to form their own governance structure within the NCAA. How far that authority goes is up for debate.
For now, the revenue-sharing conversation starts with if schools can afford to fully fund $23 million for 10 years (or by how much). Remember, membership in that club is optional. That all-in list would likely include all of the SEC and Big Ten.
After that?
“What are we talking about … 50 teams that will be able to compete?” said Jason Montgomery, a veteran sports law attorney at Husch Blackwell.
How that list of top competitors are determined has long been the No. 1 topic in the halls of college football powers from here to Pullman, Washington. Revenue-sharing might be the tipping point.
“We do know one thing, Division I is too big when you go from Ohio State to the last Division I program,” Ohio State AD Ross…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/as-college-athletics-prepares-for-revenue-sharing-fallout-leaders-wonder-is-a-breakaway-from-the-ncaa-next/
Author : Dennis Dodd
Publish date : 2024-09-04 15:56:04
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