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Money talks
NCAA about to pay billions to settle lawsuits, but Big East says amounts non-Power Conference schools must pay isn't fair. Plus, USC maxes out its roster, NBA Draft Combine's biggest riser, big extension for Chris Jans, and more.
Mike Miller
May 21, 2024
Good morning! Monday was one of the first days college basketball’s offseason had a truly quiet day. Maybe that’s because everyone’s worried about money.
Let’s dive in.
1. Big East irate about its portion of NCAA settlement
It’s a massive week in college sports. And not because of any competitions.
Officials are voting this week on the proposed terms of a landmark settlement in House v. NCAA, a lawsuit that could alter how college are run. It would include a framework for schools to share the millions of dollars of revenue with athletes, and a fund that would pay for past damages.
There’s a good primer here, but the more interesting component for college basketball comes from how the Big East is positioning itself and its members when it comes to the settlement.
In short, Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman is NOT happy about what he conference would owe, 40% of revenues, or about $5 million to $7 million annually.
She outlined her concerns in a letter to the NCAA, which Yahoo! Sports obtained.
“Based on the numbers we have reviewed, the liability of the 22 non-FBS conferences under the proposed formula appears disproportionately high, particularly because the primary beneficiaries of the NIL ‘back pay’ amounts are expected to be FBS football players,” Ackerman wrote. “I have voiced the Big East's strong objections to the proposed damages framework through recent emails to [NCAA president] Charlie Baker and his counsel and through comments during commissioner calls over the past two weeks.”
To her credit, Ackerman didn’t just complain, either. She offered a solution.
@YahooSports The alternate proposal, obtained by @YahooSports, requests a new split in how NCAA pays for $2.77B in back damages.
Under the alternate, power leagues would be responsible for 58% of back-damages & NCAA/G5/non-FBS leagues pay 42%.
Under current proposal, power leagues pay 40%.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger)
2:05 PM • May 20, 2024
It’s unclear if Ackerman’s letter and counter proposal will sway anyone. The NCAA D-I Board of Directors reportedly will recommend the original proposal.
More league officials are expected to start voting and adopting decisions as early as today. Big East officials meet today.
2. Eric Musselman’s USC roster hits its max
If anyone knows how to quickly fill out a roster, it’s Eric Musselman. The guy was a transfer pro while everyone else was still focused on prep players.
In a mere six weeks, the new USC coach has added 10 transfers, with the latest being San Diego freshman Kevin Patton Jr.
Now, will all the pieces fit together? Even Muss can struggle with that one.
