A seismic shift is coming to college athletics. The House v. NCAA settlement, if finalized, will fundamentally change the financial landscape of college sports by allowing direct compensation to student-athletes. This isn’t just about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) anymore — it’s about schools themselves being able to share revenue with their athletes.

So, what is the House settlement exactly?

The case — named after former Arizona State swimmer Grant House — was filed against the NCAA, challenging its restrictions on athlete compensation. The settlement, expected to be finalized in April, will require the NCAA to pay nearly $2.8 billion in damages to former college athletes while also introducing a new revenue-sharing model for current and future players.

Under this model, schools that opt in will reportedly be allowed to allocate up to $22 million annually to compensate student-athletes, with the money coming from their existing athletic revenues. While this stops short of creating fully professionalized college teams, it represents a fundamental shift from the traditional amateur model, where schools could not directly pay players.

The Ivy League has already made its stance clear: it won’t participate in revenue-sharing, instead choosing to preserve its amateur, scholar-athlete model. But for other schools — including William & Mary — the decision isn’t so simple.

That brings us to W&M’s response, released today (February 28, 2025).

William & Mary’s Stance: A Delayed Decision

William & Mary Athletics announced today that the university will not immediately opt in to the House settlement in 2025, instead delaying the decision until 2026. To be clear, the official title statement from W&M today reads, “William & Mary to Opt In to House Settlement in 2026.” This move is noteworthy because the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) has already voted for all its members to opt in.

The key points from W&M’s statement:

• Waiting for Clarity: The final approval hearing for the settlement isn’t until April 7, but the NCAA’s opt-in deadline is March 1. W&M wants to see the final details before committing.
• Going Against the Conference: To W&M’s knowledge, W&M is the only CAA school delaying their opt-in.
• Financial Impact: The settlement will reduce NCAA distributions to all schools, whether they opt in or not. However, W&M states there are no financial penalties for waiting.
• Competitive Balance: W&M insists this delay won’t put the Tribe at a disadvantage in the CAA or beyond.
• Commitment to Current Programs: No W&M teams will be cut (at least not during this coming year), and there are no plans to move to Division II or III.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Tribe Athletics?

William & Mary is taking a cautious, wait-and-see approach to one of the most significant changes in college sports history. But is caution the right move?

On one hand, waiting makes sense; committing to an unclear financial structure before all the details are finalized is risky. However, there’s also the reality that most of W&M’s competitors— including those in the CAA — are opting in now. Could this put W&M behind in recruiting and athlete retention? Could waiting lead to missed opportunities while other schools push ahead with payment-driven recruiting pitches to prospective athletes? This is the new reality we live in.

Beyond that, this decision raises an even bigger question: Does the CAA still make the most sense for W&M?

The Ivy League has already chosen to avoid revenue-sharing, sticking to its long-standing amateur model. Given W&M’s academic profile and traditional emphasis on the “student” in student-athlete, would a likeminded or newly formed league, like the one we recently proposed here at the WMSB — one that prioritizes academics while still competing at a high level — be a better long-term fit? Or is there a middle ground solution that allows W&M to remain in Division I while preserving its values and avoiding the financial arms race?

One thing is certain: the school is being smart by taking its time before jumping in at an incredibly pivotal moment in college athletics. The question now is — what’s the best path forward for W&M?

What do you think? Should W&M stay the course in the CAA? Would a new or different league in the mold of the Ivy League make more sense? Or is there another solution that keeps W&M competitive while staying true to its mission? Let us know in the comments.

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Official Statement from William & Mary Athletics (released February 28, 2025)

William & Mary to Opt In to House Settlement in 2026

After careful consideration about the best interests of our student-athletes and the university, William & Mary plans to opt in to the House v. NCAA Settlement in 2026.

The House v. NCAA settlement received only preliminary approval on Oct. 7, 2024, and a final approval hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2025, more than a month after the NCAA’s March 1, deadline. The opt in deadline requires athletics programs to decide before the final details of the settlement are known.

William & Mary understands the CAA Board of Directors voted that all members of the conference will opt in to the House v. NCAA settlement. Given the impact of opting in, coupled with the uncertainty of the terms connected to the settlement, William & Mary plans to opt in to the settlement in one year’s time. We appreciate the CAA’s flexibility and willingness to work with us to create a path forward that accommodates individual institutional implementation of the proposed settlement terms.

We are optimistic and excited to participate in a bright future for Division 1 athletics as we continue to make decisions in the best interests of our student-athletes.

FAQs

• Why is W&M waiting a year?
We believe it is important to know the final details of the settlement before we make a decision. We will continue to pursue a deliberate, thoughtful approach to the changing landscape of college athletics. We look forward to learning more about the terms of the NCAA settlement.

• What was the response to W&M’s decision from the CAA?
W&M notified the CAA of this decision and are prepared to work through any outstanding issues. We appreciate their flexibility and willingness to create a path forward that works for all.

• Is W&M the only university to do so in the CAA?
Many universities across the country are delaying this decision to allow for greater clarity with the settlement terms. To our knowledge, we are the only university doing so in the CAA.

• Many schools are opting in; how is W&M assessing the preliminary settlement?
There is too much uncertainty since we do not know the final settlement details. This decision requires a deliberate and comprehensive review of what it could mean for Tribe Athletics and our 500+ student-athletes.

• What are the consequences for W&M Athletics of not opting in by March 1?
The NCAA expects each institution to make this decision on an annual basis. No negative consequences have been discussed by the NCAA, 

• Will W&M’s decision put the Tribe at a competitive disadvantage?
No. We will continue to compete in the CAA and beyond while maintaining stability within the individual programs.

• Will there be financial ramifications for W&M if W&M does not opt in?
The proposed settlement reduces NCAA distributions to all member institutions whether or not they opt in. The settlement allows institutions that opt in to provide certain kinds of compensation to student athletes. Neither the terms of the proposed settlement nor the NCAA identify financial penalties for an institution that does not opt in.

• Is W&M considering cuts to any teams?
No. This decision preserves the composition of our teams for the next year.

• Is W&M moving to Div II or III next?
No.

• What are the final terms of the House settlement?
Unknown. The courts are scheduled to rule on April 7. It’s unclear what details will be shared at that time.

• Does the settlement mandate a policy change?
No.

• Are schools allowed to opt in at another time?
Yes. Schools are required to make their decision annually.

• Will W&M opt in by 2026?
Our plan is to opt in under the proposed terms of the settlement by 2026. Once the terms of the settlement are finalized and we have assessed their impact on our entire  athletic program we will make a decision.

• What’s the significance of the March 1, 2025, date?
Although before the court’s April 7, 2025, final approval hearing, the NCAA requires each institution to respond by March 1, 2025, about opting into the settlement terms  for the 2025-26 academic year.

• How does this deviation from the decision made by other CAA institutions impact NIL opportunities at W&M?
The settlement terms allow for different paths. Institutions that opt in will have the option of revenue-sharing and engaging in direct NIL partnerships with their student-athletes. In both instances, third-party NIL opportunities will remain in place.

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AI contributed to the enhancement of this article