SEC and Big Ten Developing Revenue Sharing Plan with Players: The Future of College Athletics

The landscape of college athletics is on the brink of a major transformation as the SEC and Big Ten are reportedly working on a revenue sharing plan with players that could reshape the future of the sport. The proposal, known as the “Modern Model,” not only aims to share revenue with athletes but also potentially settle the ongoing House v. NCAA lawsuit, which is set to go to trial in January 2025.

The lawsuit, which alleges that the NCAA and power conferences have conspired to suppress athletes’ compensation, has been a major roadblock for programs looking to navigate the future of college athletics. Settlement money alone could cost universities millions of dollars, leaving athletic directors scrambling to find ways to accommodate such a hefty payment.

Sources have revealed that the revenue-sharing idea emerged from discussions between Power Four administrators, with the SEC and Big Ten leading the charge. The plan is seen as a potential solution to the ongoing legal battle and could offer a new model for compensating college athletes.

The House suit argues that athletes are entitled to a share of television revenue and compensation for the use of their likenesses in video games. With damages sought in the billions, the outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the NCAA and the future of college sports.

As major conferences like the SEC and Big Ten continue to assert their influence in college athletics, the push for a new revenue-sharing model signals a shift towards a more equitable system for compensating players. With the potential to settle a long-standing legal dispute and redefine the way athletes are compensated, the “Modern Model” could be a game-changer for college sports.