Competitive Balance or Advantage?
The House v. NCAA settlement has designed revenue sharing as an opt-in for Division I institutions and if an institution chooses to opt-out, then institutions are required to follow bylaws for grant-in-aid prior to the settlement. With the opt-in deadline on the horizon (March 1st), NIL collectives appear to be the new niche in the ever-evolving collegiate athletics arms race to gain a competitive advantage. It would be interesting to know how many new capital campaigns have been launched for facilities in last couple of years…
Power conference institutions will certainly opt-in, if not, it will be tough to remain competitive. Conferences below the Division I level will remain amateur, an opportunity to compete in collegiate athletics with traditional grant-in-aid (scholarships) provided to them in benevolence from donors and institutions. However, in non-power Division I conferences, this could become the demarcation line between pros and amateurs.