Ohio State University is facing significant changes in its athletics department as a result of a settlement in a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit, known as House vs. NCAA, has received preliminary approval in U.S. District Court. The settlement will require Ohio State to compensate players for their name, image, and likeness rights starting next year, a significant shift in collegiate athletics.
Despite these changes, Ohio State has stated that they do not plan to cut any sports, but the composition of teams will likely change. For example, the rifle and pistol team will become women-only by 2029. Additionally, Ohio State will have more athletes on scholarship but fewer varsity athletes overall, with the NCAA implementing roster limits instead of scholarship limits.
The department is also actively reviewing initiatives to support increased costs, including potential changes to football season ticket plans, fundraising efforts, corporate sponsorships, and licensing and branding. This transformation comes as the intercollegiate athletics landscape is rapidly evolving.
Ohio State Athletic Director, Bjork, stated via open letter that the department’s goal is to continue supporting all 36 teams, with a focus on academics, winning, and maximizing the student-athlete experience on and off the playing fields. The settlement will see colleges take control of the NIL payment process and distribute money themselves through revenue sharing, with an initial pool capped at around $20 million. More changes are expected as the department navigates this new era of collegiate athletics.
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