House v NCAA Settlement FAQ
The NCAA is in the process of litigating what is being called the House Settlement. Below is a question and answer about what the settlement entails for Wright State University, who along with all members of the Horizon League, have opted IN to accept the terms of the final settlement. For a summary breakdown of the proposed settlement, click here.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Based Questions
Q: Under the proposed settlement, can a Division I institution that has opted IN to the settlement enter into an NIL deal with a current student-athlete?
A: Yes, an institution may enter into an NIL deal with a student-athlete, provided it does not extend beyond the student-athlete’s NCAA competition eligibility. NIL and other benefits cumulatively for all student-athletes cannot exceed the stated cap.
Q: Will all student-athletes receive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments from their school?
A: It is unlikely. While all student-athletes will be eligible for NIL payments, the specific terms of NIL opportunities will vary depending on coaching decisions, school policies and the student-athlete's individual standing.
Q: Is an Institution that provides direct NIL payments to a student-athlete subject to the terms of the settlement
A: Yes.
Q: Do student-athletes need to disclose all NIL agreements
A: Yes. Per Ohio Executive Order, A Wright State student-athlete who intends to enter into a verbal or written contract providing compensation to the student-athlete for use of the student-athlete's name, image, or likeness shall disclose the proposed contract to the athletics Compliance office for review.
Q: May student-athletes sign an NIL agreement with anyone?
A: Yes, but considerations may need to apply:
- A student-athlete’s school (including any entity owned, operated or controlled by the school): The total amount of NIL money provided to all student-athletes by a school or one of its entities must not exceed the proposed annual pool amount allowed for each school – 2025-26 academic year ($20.5 million).
- Third parties who are “associated entities or individuals” (that is, certain boosters and all collectives): These entities and individuals may engage in NIL agreements with student-athletes only if:
- The NIL money is paid for a valid business purpose to promote goods and services provided to the general public for profit
- Payments must be at fair market value rates, consistent with existing NCAA rules.
- These assessments will be subject to challenge in a new neutral arbitration system overseen by Deloitte, who has been contracted by the NCAA.
- Third parties who are not considered “associated entities or individuals”: Agreements with other third parties are permissible and not subject to further review but must be disclosed if payments exceed $600 in total.
- Student-athletes may not enter into NIL deals with the following categories under Ohio state law:
- Alcohol
- Controlled substances (including marijuana)
- Gambling
- Prescription drugs
- Tobacco/Nicotine products
Q: Where can I find more information about NIL and agents
Answer: Information on NIL can be found by visiting the NCAA NIL assistance website. For information on NIL agents and what is permissible within the state of Ohio, please visit the Ohio Athletic Commission.
Q: Are NIL distributions taxable income
A: Yes. All student-athletes who receive NIL distributions ($600 or more) are required to file their own tax returns as outlined by state and federal law. Student-athletes will receive a 1099 form for all NIL-related income.
Q: What happens if the House settlement falls through?
A If the settlement is denied, the case will remain unresolved, and litigation will continue. Wright State University will work directly with the Horizon League to move forward as a conference, while the Power Four conferences are expected to continue operations as planned. Wright State will still need to comply with NCAA rules, which may limit NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) activities for student-athletes. The parties involved in the lawsuit—the NCAA and the plaintiffs—will need to continue working toward a resolution. This could lead to a trial, additional legal proceedings, or renewed settlement negotiations. In the meantime, the current NIL rules and restrictions governing student-athletes will remain in effect until an alternative resolution is reached.
Roster and Scholarship Based Questions
Q: Will Division I institutions be required to provide full athletics scholarships in any particular sport after final approval of the settlement?
A: No. All Division I athletics scholarships will be equivalency awards and institutions may provide any portion of a scholarship. Under the new NCAA-House Settlement, institutions will have the opportunity to award a scholarship to every student-athlete
Q: Will Division-I adopt roster limits for each Division-I sport under the proposed settlement?
A: Division I will adopt legislation that establishes potential implementation procedures and roster limits consistent with the final, approved settlement. No decision on roster limits has been made under the current, un-approved settlement proposal.
Q: Are roster sports guaranteed for student-athletes?
A: No. Schools have the discretion to include a student-athlete on a particular team. Schools that choose to opt-in to the settlement will be potentially bound by set roster sizes. Roster decisions will be up to the coach of the program at the school, regardless of whether a school provides additional benefits or NIL payments.
Q: Could a student-athlete lose their athletics scholarship under the proposed House settlement?
A: No. The proposed settlement does not alter any of the scholarship guarantees that became effective August 1, 2024. With the new scholarship protections, schools cannot reduce, cancel or fail to renew athletics scholarships in NCAA sports for athletics reasons (such as injury, physical or mental illness, athletic ability or performance, contribution to team success or roster management decisions). These requirements continue to apply regardless of any roster management decisions unless and until the student-athlete in question graduates or elects to transfer.
Donor-Related Questions
Q: How can a donor contribute?
A: Donors can give directly to Wright State Athletics by visiting this link.
Q: Are donations to Wright State Athletics tax deductible
A: Yes. Gifts to Wright State Athletics and Sport-Specific Funds are receipted by Wright State University. Please consult your tax advisor for additional information.
Q: Will a donor receive Raider Athletic Fund benefits if they donate to a sport-specifc fund?
A: Yes. Donating to the Department and/or directly to a sport will provide the same benefits. Additionally, gifts to these two funds within the same membership year will be added together to identify what giving level a donor is stewarded.
For example, if Rowdy gives $15,000 to the Annual Fund and $10,000 to a sport, Rowdy will be recognized as a $25,000 donor for that membership year.
Please note that your purchase of season tickets, mini-plans, or single games does NOT count towards your benefits.
