CU Boulder will pay student-athletes 20.5M in NCAA settlement

The University of Colorado Boulder will allocate $20. 5 million to student-athletes under a landmark NCAA settlement, with payments beginning July 1. Athletic director Rick George expressed the financial strain this places on the institution, requiring careful management of expenses and revenue generation. The football and basketball programs will likely absorb most of the payments, prompting the need for cuts in other sports. To offset costs, CU has already eliminated two track coach positions and initiated a $1 million project to install artificial turf at Folsom Field, which will enable hosting more lucrative events.

George is actively seeking increased donations from booster clubs to bridge the funding gap. This settlement represents a significant shift in college athletics, pushing schools to rethink their financial strategies. The urgency of the situation has schools scrambling to adapt to the new revenue-sharing model. The outcome will likely impact the future of collegiate sports and athlete compensation.