Wren Baker Addresses WVU Fans After House Settlement Approval
West Virginia is ready for the next phase of college athletics.
The landscape of college sports is changing, and for the better. Recently, Judge Claudia Wilken approved the House v. NCAA settlement, allowing schools to pay athletes directly rather than through third-party collectives. While NIL deals will still be allowed, any deal worth $600 or more will go through a clearinghouse.
Starting in 2025-26, colleges will have a $20.5 million cap for their entire athletic department. Each school will have the flexibility to decide how to allocate this money, but it’s expected that a significant portion will go to the main revenue-generating sports: football and men’s basketball.
In light of the settlement, West Virginia’s athletic director Wren Baker shared a statement to reassure Mountaineer fans that WVU is in a strong position.
“With the approval of the House Settlement, college athletics enters a new era. Schools will now be able to share revenue directly with student-athletes, under the oversight of the newly established College Sports Commission.”
“West Virginia University Athletics has been preparing for this moment for a long time, ensuring we’re positioned for future success. While more updates will come soon, I want Mountaineer Nation to know that our traditions and our national standing are at the forefront of our decision-making.”
“We will fully participate in revenue sharing as the House Settlement brings stability, fairness, and opportunity under the guidance of @theCSCommission. This is a new day in college athletics, and WVU will be strategically placed to continue competing at the highest level.”
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