Direct pay to college athletes starts July 1. Some key dates tied to implementation of settlement

It took five years for the $2.8 billion antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA and five major conferences to reach a settlement. Now comes the process for implementing it.

Following are significant dates:

Settlement approved; settlement-related NCAA rules are effective, as adopted by the NCAA Division I Board on April 21, 2025.

NIL Go portal launches.

Opt-in deadline for non-defendant schools to fully commit to revenue sharing.

First date for direct institutional revenue-sharing payments to student-athletes.

Opt-in schools must "designate" student-athletes permitted by the settlement to remain above roster limits.

With the exception of the "designated" student-athletes, fall sports must be at or below roster limits by their first day of competition.

With the exception of "designated" student-athletes, winter and spring sports must be at or below roster limits by their first day of competition or Dec. 1, whichever is earlier.