• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 17, 2025

Making Way for Compensation Reform?

  • The new constitution draft released Tuesday loosened the definition of acceptable athlete compensation.
  • Could it open the door for a shift in the definition of amateurism?
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The new constitution draft released Tuesday loosened the definition of acceptable athlete compensation.

The governing body didn’t give much of an explanation for the edit, saying in a letter to members that it “allows for evolution while still prohibiting pay-for-play.”

At first glance, the change itself may seem small. But it could open the door for a shift in the definition of amateurism.

  • The draft’s original language prohibiting salaries stayed the same. It reads, “student-athletes may not be compensated by a member institution for participating in a sport.”
  • The original draft allowed for only two exceptions: educational benefits and NIL. 
  • But the new draft broadened the language, and took out the specification of NIL altogether. Now, it only says athletes “may receive educational and other benefits.”

The most likely motivation is seeking legal cover by using the broadest possible language to limit athlete compensation — a potential necessity in the wake of the Alston decision.

The NCAA most definitely will never allow players to receive direct salaries, unless it’s forced by Congress, the courts, or the NLRB. But the change could give divisions more freedom than ever to get creative about player compensation. 

Of course, there’s no guarantee that divisions will take this opportunity to institute more radical compensation reform.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jason Belzer

College Sports Is ‘Too Big of an Opportunity’

Panelists at the Asset Class summit agreed college sports is the next frontier.
Cignetti

Curt Cignetti Lands Third Contract in Just 19 Games With Indiana

Cignetti signed a new contract five days after Indiana upset Oregon.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan (0) makes a catch for a first down in the first half against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Michigan Board Publicly Opposes Big Ten Investment Proposal

“The Big Ten does not need to be sold to save college sports.”

Steelers’ Shared Stadium With Pitt Comes Under Fire for Bad Turf

The conditions at Acrisure Stadium have been subpar this season.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium.

Belichick’s UNC Saga Now Includes GM Trip to Saudi Arabia

UNC GM Michael Lombardi traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Oct 14, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel.
October 15, 2025

SEC Coaches Sound Off on NIL, Revenue-Sharing: ‘Upside Down’

John Calipari doesn’t want to become “transactional.”
Tortillas
October 16, 2025

Texas Tech-Kansas Tortilla-Knife Mess Ends With $50K in Fines

Texas Tech’s tortilla tradition got both teams in trouble.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Cody Campbell
October 15, 2025

Texas Tech Booster Cody Campbell Slams Conference PE Deals

Campbell said the concept goes against “all the laws of finance.”
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) takes the ball on a kickoff return in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
October 14, 2025

USC, Michigan Officials Oppose Big Ten’s Private Capital Proposal 

Officials from both schools met virtually on Tuesday.
October 13, 2025

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Patrick Kraft
October 13, 2025

Penn State Says Adidas Had No Role in James Franklin Firing or..

Franklin is owed tens of millions of dollars.