Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark Reacts to Game-Changing NCAA Settlement

Finally, progress is being made in college sports as Judge Claudia Wilken approved the House settlement, which allows schools to directly pay student-athletes. NIL deals are still permitted, but those of $600 or more in value must go through a clearinghouse, called NIL Go.

Schools will work with a $20.5 million cap in 2025-26, which will increase by roughly 4% each year over the next ten years. We're still a long way from fully shifting to a pro model where there are clear guardrails on everything, but this is a massive step in the right direction.

Shortly after the news dropped, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark released a statement offering his thoughts.

“As we enter this new era of college athletics, it is crucial we do so with structure, transparency, and the success of student-athletes in mind - this settlement and new model will ensure that happens. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to implement this new system that prioritizes fairness and opportunity for all student-athletes and institutions.”

Direct payments from schools to their athletes won't go into effect until July 1st. The NIL Go portal will launch on June 15.

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