Potential Landmark Change to College Athletics: SEC and Big Ten Conferences Developing Revenue Sharing Plan with Student-Athletes

In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the landscape of college athletics in the United States, the SEC and Big Ten conferences are reportedly working on a proposal known as the “Modern Model” that would introduce revenue sharing with student-athletes. This potential seismic change comes in the midst of the House v. NCAA antitrust lawsuit, which could see the NCAA paying out billions in back pay to current and former student-athletes.

According to CBS Sports, the Power Four conferences, along with NCAA officials and legal representatives, recently engaged in discussions regarding a revenue-sharing model that could see schools paying up to $20 million annually to their student-athletes. While the specifics of the proposal are still being ironed out, the concept is akin to a salary cap system seen in professional sports.

The move towards revenue sharing is seen as a step towards addressing concerns raised by administrators and athletic departments about fairly compensating student-athletes. With multiple antitrust lawsuits challenging the NCAA’s restrictions on athlete compensation, including the possibility of direct payment for performance, the collegiate sports landscape is on the brink of a major transformation.

Furthermore, the National Labor Relations Board is also reviewing cases that could potentially classify college athletes as employees, opening the door for unionization. The recent unionization of the Dartmouth men’s basketball team underscores the growing push for greater rights and compensation for student-athletes.

As these developments unfold, the future of college athletics hangs in the balance, with the potential for a seismic shift that could upend the traditional notions of amateurism in U.S. sports. Stay tuned as the story continues to evolve.