In the first week since the much-awaited approval by federal judge Claudia Wilken of a final settlement of three antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA and major conferences, it looked like a typical June around Georgia athletics on the surface.
The football team picked up a few recruiting commitments, staffers were spotted driving a golf cart loaded with pizzas during 7-on-7 camps and athletic director Josh Brooks was in Oregon to watch Georgia’s track teams in the NCAA championship meet.
Behind the scenes, Georgia athletics’ months of preparation for a sea change that will allow players to be paid directly by schools was now about to be a reality starting July 1.
“We are in a strong position — ready not only to adapt, but to thrive in this new era of college sports,” Brooks said in comments posted on UGA’s athletic website. “Our top priority remains unchanged: fulfilling the University of Georgia’s mission of excellence in teaching and learning, while preserving and enhancing the student-athlete experience.”
Georgia athletes will receive about $20.5 million in the first year and increasing annually — 22% of the average revenue of power conference schools — including $2.5 million in new scholarships to about 100 athletes. “Over-the-cap” name, image and likeness deals will continue but be scrutinized.
Scholarship caps are gone, but roster sizes are limited by sport.
“Our athletic staff has taken every step — big and small — to ensure we are positioned for success,” Brooks said.
Those third-party NIL deals from businesses and collectives worth $600 or more must be reported through the new “NIL Go” online portal, a clearinghouse process that has been met with some skepticism.
Deloitte will determine if “deals are made with the purpose of using a student-athlete’s NIL for a valid business…
Source link : https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs-extra/2025/06/16/georgia-football-josh-brooks-kirby-smart-revenue-sharing/84172056007/
Author :
Publish date : 2025-06-16 08:02:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
