Ivy League’s Bold NIL Move & How Field Storming Hurts Future Athlete Pay
Jan 27, 2025Welcome to this week’s Activate NIL newsletter, where we break down the latest news impacting student-athletes, college sports, and the future of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
Ivy League Opts Out of $2.8 Billion NCAA Antitrust Settlement—What Does This Mean for Athletes?
In a significant move, the Ivy League has chosen not to participate in the NCAA's $2.8 billion antitrust settlement. While 27 other conferences agreed to the settlement, which paves the way for revenue sharing with student-athletes, the Ivy League’s decision could have major implications for its athletes.
What’s at Stake?
The settlement would provide back pay to former athletes and establish a framework for schools to begin sharing revenue with student-athletes. However, by opting out, the Ivy League remains tied to its longstanding stance against athletic scholarships and direct payments to athletes.
This decision raises key questions:
- Will Ivy League schools fall behind in recruiting as top talent seeks programs with revenue-sharing opportunities?
- How will Ivy athletes navigate NIL deals without the additional financial benefits their counterparts in other conferences may soon receive?
- Could individual Ivy League schools still find ways to compensate athletes outside of the NCAA framework?
For now, Ivy League student-athletes will need to continue relying on NIL deals rather than potential revenue-sharing payments. As the NIL landscape evolves, it will be crucial to see if the Ivy League revisits its stance in the future.
Field Storming: A Celebration That Could Cost Athletes Millions
This past weekend, Vanderbilt was fined for violating the SEC’s “Access to Competition Area” policy after fans stormed the field following a major win. While rushing the field has long been a tradition in college sports, it’s becoming an increasingly expensive issue for schools—and potentially a major roadblock to revenue sharing for athletes. Vanderbilt has paid $850,000 this year alone for 3 separate field storming incidents.
How Does This Impact NIL and Revenue Sharing?
The SEC, Big Ten, and other major conferences are ramping up penalties for field storming, with fines reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. If universities are forced to allocate millions toward these fines, they may be less willing—or financially able—to support future revenue-sharing models for student-athletes.
Additionally, field storming presents major safety risks to players, coaches, and fans. Injuries sustained in these chaotic moments could not only end an athlete’s career but also impact their future NIL earning potential.
What Can Be Done?
As revenue sharing becomes a more realistic part of college athletics, schools and athletes alike must recognize that game-day traditions like field storming come with financial and safety consequences. Protecting the financial health of athletic departments will ultimately benefit student-athletes, ensuring more funds are available for NIL opportunities and direct compensation in the future.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of college sports is shifting rapidly, with major legal battles, revenue-sharing discussions, and NIL deals shaping the future. Student-athletes and institutions alike must stay informed and proactive in navigating these changes.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep building your brand both on and off the field!