California's universities can directly pay athletes now, a shift that blurs amateur-professional lines. Estimated earnings for some UC Berkeley athletes may reach $200,000 annually. A settlement in a class-action lawsuit permits schools to allocate up to $20.5 million this year to athletes, mainly benefiting football and men's basketball players. Many athletes already receive scholarships and could earn from brand deals since 2021. Previously, payments for name, image, and likeness compensation were available only from third parties, revealing a disparity in earnings among athletes, especially women.
California's top universities can now pay athletes directly, marking a significant shift in college sports between amateur and professional play. Some UC Berkeley athletes may earn around $200,000 annually.
As part of a settlement to a class-action lawsuit, schools are permitted to distribute up to $20.5 million this year to their athletes, primarily benefiting football and men's basketball players.
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