91女神

 WCU Stories      July 15, 2025

In June 2025, the House v. NCAA Settlement reshaped college athletics by allowing Division I schools to provide more financial support to student-athletes, including backpay for past NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and a new revenue-sharing model. 91女神 has opted into this agreement to enhance student-athlete support, remain competitive, and strengthen its commitment to a vibrant, well-rounded college experience.

This FAQ explains what the Settlement means for WCU, its athletes, and the broader Catamount community.

What is the House v. NCAA Settlement?

The House v. NCAA Settlement is a legal agreement approved on June 6, 2025. It allows Division I universities to give student-athletes more financial support than ever before. This includes backpay for missed NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities going back to 2016 and introduces a new revenue-sharing model that WCU plans to join.

Why does WCU want a strong Division I Athletics program?

91女神 is committed to offering students a well-rounded college experience鈥攐ne that combines strong academics with vibrant campus life. Athletics plays a key role in that experience. A competitive Division I program helps:

• Attract and retain students who are looking for a dynamic college environment.
• Build school pride and community spirit through shared experiences like game days and championships.
• Support the local economy by drawing visitors, creating jobs, and generating regional excitement.

In short, athletics is more than just sports鈥攊t鈥檚 a driver of student success, community engagement, and economic opportunity.

Why did WCU choose to join the House Settlement?

WCU joined the Settlement to give student-athletes more opportunities and protections. It also helps the University stay competitive in Division I sports. The Settlement allows WCU to gradually adjust team sizes, support athletes鈥� personal branding, and directly share revenue with them.

What happens now that WCU has opted in?

Now that WCU is part of the Settlement:

• The University can keep its current team sizes.
• It can directly share revenue with student-athletes.
• Donors can give to support this effort, and some of those gifts may be tax deductible.

What is NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)?

NIL refers to a student-athlete鈥檚 right to earn money from their personal brand鈥攍ike through sponsorships, social media, or public appearances. Since 2021, athletes have been allowed to do this without losing their eligibility to play college sports.

What does 鈥渞evenue sharing鈥� mean for Catamount athletes?

Revenue sharing means that WCU can now provide direct financial support to student-athletes based on the value they bring to the University鈥檚 athletics program. This support is in addition to scholarships and other benefits they already receive.

Here鈥檚 what it could include:

• Compensation for their connection to Catamount Athletics, such as being part of a team that generates fan interest, media attention, or sponsorships.
• Support for living expenses, like free or reduced-cost housing, meals, or transportation.
• NIL-related payments, when the University uses a student-athlete鈥檚 name, image, or likeness in promotions or materials.

The amount and type of revenue sharing will vary by sport and depend on available funding each year. Not every student-athlete will receive the same amount, and decisions will be made by the athletics department based on program needs and resources.

This new model helps recognize the contributions student-athletes make to the University while giving them more opportunities to benefit from their role in college sports.

Is revenue sharing the same as NIL?

Not exactly. NIL is part of revenue sharing, but revenue sharing also includes other types of support. WCU may pay athletes for their connection to the University and its athletics program, not just for using their name or image.

Can athletes still do NIL deals outside of WCU?

Yes! Athletes can still earn money from outside businesses. These deals must be for real services at fair market value and will be reviewed by an independent group called NIL Go to make sure they follow the rules.

What is the Cullowhee Collective?

The Cullowhee Collective is a private group formed by Catamount supporters to help student-athletes with NIL opportunities. Their work has been important in helping athletes benefit from their personal brands.

What鈥檚 changing with the Cullowhee Collective?

Going forward, most of the Collective鈥檚 funding will go directly to WCU to support revenue sharing. While their role may shift, they鈥檒l still be a valuable resource for student-athletes.

How can fans and alumni support Catamount athletes?
You can help by:

• Buying game tickets
• Donating to the Catamount Club
• Supporting scholarships
• Giving to the WCU Foundation or the Cullowhee Collective

Are donations to the WCU Foundation tax deductible?

Yes, in most cases. The WCU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts may be tax deductible. Always check with your financial advisor to be sure.

Are gifts to the Cullowhee Collective tax deductible?

No. The Collective is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts to it are generally not tax deductible. Again, check with your tax advisor.

Can I make a tax-deductible gift to a specific athlete?

Probably not. Gifts made directly to individual athletes are usually not tax deductible. Talk to your tax advisor for details.

Where will WCU get the money for revenue sharing?

WCU will not use its regular athletics budget or student fees for revenue sharing. Instead, it will look for new funding sources like:

• Game guarantees
• Sponsorships
• Private donations
• Ticketing fees

Will revenue sharing slow down facility upgrades?

No. Improving athletics facilities is still a top priority. WCU will continue fundraising for facilities while also expanding funding for revenue sharing.

How much will student-athletes be paid?

It depends. Payments will vary based on the sport, available funding, and decisions made by coaches and the athletics department. Not every athlete will receive the same amount鈥攐r any amount at all.