Here Is What I Know So Far

You might have seen something in the media about the P4 conferences agreeing to pay athletes directly. I've had a few conversations with some of these coaches and I plan on having more in the next couple of weeks. Here is what I know so far!

College athletics are changing. It's an exciting time, that's for sure. There are also a lot of unknowns. I will try and get as much information as I can to share here with everyone!

It's happening!

It's not a myth or something that MIGHT happen down the road. Several college coaches that I have spoken with said they this has been in the works for sometime and their admin was completely prepared for the announcement when it came out. Athletes will basically become 1099 contract workers for the school. This comes with with all the IRS and wonderful tax implications for athletes. Also, as an employee there is a lot of discussion about how/when coaches will be able to "fire" athletes. It's not a discussion many people seem to want to have, but it seems to be baked into the cake at this point.

It's starting!

Since we already know that it's going to happen, the question is when? Well, that has already been answered and it's going to start next fall. In 2025 (this will include the 2025 class of course) athletes will be getting paid directly by the university / athletics department. It sounded like originally they were talking about how "It could start as early as 2025..." but that seems to be confirmed that it WILL be starting next fall.

Roster Size!

There will be a cap on roster size. Sounds like the number will be somewhere around 16 (I'll get the exact number here soon). That means everyone on the roster will be getting paid. No more "walk-ons" no more 2 for 2 scholarships for libero's. If you are on the roster, you will be getting paid. But the roster size will be limited with no wiggle room it sounds like. This means that coaches won't be "adding" to the roster, but replacing people on the roster with other athletes. Potentially, of course.

Impact!

This is going to change the landscape of college athletes for sure. There is a lot we don't know right now, but within the next year, college athletics is going to look a lot different I think.

D1 schools that aren't paying athletes are going to have to decide what they want to do and what is best for them. Can they join in the other P4 schools or get left-behind? I think financially for a lot of athletic departments outside of the P4, this is going to create some issues down the road. Yes, I'm talking about programs that ARE NOT paying their athletes.

I also don't know if all programs at the P4 level will be "fully-funded" or even if volleyball is still going to be a sport at the school. This creates a whole new level financial risk for everyone involved.

What about the transfer portal?

What about other D1 conferences and programs that aren't paying athletes?

What recruiting rules and guidelines will change for these schools?

How will contracts be written?

When will athletes sign those contracts?

Will there be a negotiation?

What about NIL money?

How much will they get paid?

Does their contract include tuition for school?

Lots of questions and not a ton of answers right now. I'm hoping to get more info in the coming weeks and will write another blog post with all of the information I'm getting from coaches.

*I will be updating this post as well if information changes!

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