NCAA Permanently Ends NIL Restrictions Before Enrollment in Landmark Settlement

The decision, part of an antitrust settlement with state attorneys general, awaits federal court approval and signals a shift toward a professionalized college sports model.

• The NCAA has agreed to permanently drop its rule prohibiting athletes from negotiating NIL deals before enrollment as part of a legal settlement with state attorneys general.
• The rule change requires federal court approval to take full effect, with a hearing on the settlement scheduled for April 7.
• Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti led the lawsuit, arguing the restriction violated antitrust laws and limited athletes' bargaining power during recruitment.
• The NCAA and conferences are also preparing to allow schools to directly pay athletes through revenue-sharing agreements under a separate antitrust settlement expected to roll out this summer.
• Critics warn the policy shift could lead to a 'pay-to-play' system, while proponents argue it aligns college sports with financial realities and enhances athlete opportunities.

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