Full Big Ten Rule
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Approved by the conference’s chancellors and presidents on Oct. 28, the Big Ten is adopting a conference-level rule limiting member institution involvement in third-party NIL agreements in preparation for the anticipated passage of the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA). The conference’s chancellors and presidents continue to remain in unanimous support of the PCSA and look to demonstrate their commitment to it with the new rule.
Statement from the Big Ten Council of Chancellors/Presidents Chair Pamela Whitten on behalf of the Big Ten’s presidents and chancellors
“While we await the passage of the Protect College Sports Act, which has our full support, it is imperative our member institutions can begin to plan, budget and build their rosters approximating the act’s economic structure. Our institutions remain in full support of the Protect College Sports Act and this rule not only allows for a much smoother transition into the policies put in place by the act once it passes, but demonstrates our commitment to it.”
As permitted by the House Injunctive Relief Settlement, the Big Ten conference-level rule limits institutional involvement in arranging third-party NIL agreements to a maximum of $27.5 million per member institution. Combined with institutional NIL payments permitted by the House settlement, the conference rule restricts institutional involvement in student-athlete NIL agreements to a total of $49 million per institution, approximating the economic framework of the PCSA. Escalating financial penalties and other disciplinary measures will be imposed by the conference for any violations.
The timing of the Big Ten rule is intended to both guide member institutions and alert the public as to Big Ten institutional constraints in upcoming NIL discussions with student-athletes. The rule effectively requires Big Ten institutions to initiate the financial and operational mechanisms necessary to comply with PCSA limits in advance of upcoming signing and transfer portal windows. The rule is effective immediately and each institution and its lead athletics staff must attest their compliance with the rule.
This policy applies to institutional action only as student-athletes remain free to pursue NIL opportunities with any entity (associated or non-associated) on their own.
The Big Ten rule does not replace any existing rules or policies. Big Ten institutions remain subject to all current NCAA rules and College Sports Commission (CSC) policies, including those regarding valid business purpose, permissible range of compensation and submission and review of third-party NIL agreements.
As reflected by the rule’s adoption, the Big Ten continues to strongly support the PCSA and is appreciative of the Act’s bi-partisan congressional support and the substantial efforts of the Act’s authors and sponsors.