STORRS, CT — UConn Athletics is pushing forward with plans to implement student-athlete revenue sharing by the 2025–26 academic year, even as a federal judge delays final approval of the NCAA’s landmark antitrust settlement over concerns about its immediate impact on team rosters.
In a letter to supporters, Athletic Director David Benedict acknowledged the legal uncertainty but reaffirmed the university’s intent to begin preparations this summer.
“We continue to monitor the legal proceedings associated with the House settlement, which ultimately will pave the way for revenue sharing with student-athletes,” Benedict wrote. “Despite the present uncertainty, we are continuing to plan for the introduction of revenue sharing this summer.”
The $2.8 billion antitrust settlement—tied to the House v. NCAA case—includes a provision allowing athletic departments to share up to $20.5 million annually with current athletes.
However, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken raised concerns last month over a key condition: replacing scholarship limits with roster caps.
She warned that an abrupt shift to roster limits could harm student-athletes by triggering immediate cuts, which would contradict the settlement’s intended benefit for the class members bringing the case.
Wilken ordered the NCAA and plaintiff attorneys to rework the terms and consider a phased implementation, including a grandfathering clause to protect affected athletes. She made clear that her concern lies only with the roster provision—not with the financial components of the deal.
Benedict said UConn is following the case closely while continuing to plan for major fundraising needs under the new compensation model.
“I recently shared that we need to double our level of overall support in order to effectively maintain the championship tradition which defines UConn Athletics,” he said.
He urged current members of the Husky Athletic Fund to consider increased contributions and invited new supporters to join through the Fight On Fund.
“Together, we will navigate the challenges and maintain our steadfast commitment to the nearly 600 student-athletes who represent our great university and the people of our state,” Benedict said.
Final approval of the settlement is pending further negotiations between both parties and direction from Judge Wilken.
