AROUND NIL | How revenue sharing could turn mid-majors into college sport's big spenders

Could revenue-sharing flip the script for mid-majors schools?

March 26, 2025—With NCAA schools set to share revenue directly with athletes, a surprising shift looms—one first outlined by Yahoo Sports: mid-majors could soon outspend power conference teams in other sports.

Powerhouses like Florida and Auburn still flex their financial muscle, but Big East schools, without costly football programs, may soon pour $6M+ into hoops and other programs, dwarfing the $2-4M many SEC and Big Ten teams can spare after prioritizing football.

Power leagues now scramble for workarounds, but if NCAA’s new enforcement system holds, the Big East and others could thrive. As one AD put it: “Villanova and St. John’s can pour $10 million into basketball if they want. The SEC isn’t going to do that.”

Kam Jones, a face of Marquette’s mid-major muscle in the new rev-share world | Cal Sports Media/Alamy

Tennessee wins NIL battle, NCAA can no longer block pre-commitment deals

March 26, 2025—Tennessee just locked in a game-changing NIL victory. A federal judge approved the final settlement between the NCAA and a coalition of states, permanently allowing recruits and transfer athletes to negotiate NIL deals before committing.

The ruling bars the NCAA from restricting NIL activity for five years and forces them to publicize all policy changes. Schools can now help recruits find NIL deals, while companies and collectives can negotiate during recruitment. Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti called it a huge win for athletes, fans, and schools, ensuring NIL negotiations stay unrestricted.