Colorado is the latest Power Four school to cut ties with its official NIL team. The decision comes as athletic departments across the country prepare for the implications of the upcoming settlement of House v. NCAA, which is expected to end later this year.
“We are restructuring our NIL procedures to be ready for the changes to come,” Colorado athletic director Rick George wrote in an email to fans Monday morning.
This comes after a season in which the Buffaloes returned to prominence in the college football landscape. Under the leadership Deion Sandersthe team finished 9-4 in 2024, narrowly missing the Big 12 championship game and playing its first full-season game since 2016.
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The development will certainly help Colorado build a more stable program with a significant financial injection. With Sanders at the helm and a solid revenue-sharing formula, fans can expect the program to remain competitive over the next few years.
How much will Colorado be able to hand out to athletes?
Groundbreaking settlement of House v. NCAA ushers in a transformative era for college athletics. When finally ratified and operational, it will allow schools to directly compensate athletes through revenue sharing, with a maximum annual cap of $22 million for all athletic programs.
Additionally, athletes retain their ability to generate income through NIL contracts. Schools can also continue to work with collectives to distribute funds that exceed the stated limit of $22 million. Together, these measures promise to reshape the financial landscape of college sports.
This landmark decision represents a departure from traditional restrictions, allowing players to receive payments directly from their institutions – something that was previously prohibited. Rick George believes that the development will be beneficial for Colorado for many reasons.
“I feel these changes will not only keep CU the gold standard in student-athlete support, but also make it easier for fans like you to invest in our student-athletes at a time when it matters most,” George wrote.
George’s email Monday provided new guidance for donors interested in financially supporting Colorado athletics amid an operational transition. Donors are now encouraged to contribute directly to the Buff Club’s AD Excellence Fund or Sport Excellence Fund.
These new channels make working with third-party collectives, such as the 5430 Alliance, unnecessary, simplifying the process for those looking to invest in the program’s future. It also gives the athletic department a good level of control over athlete compensation, providing some ease and stability across the board.
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
