The House vs. NCAA settlement is scheduled to pay former college athletes billions of dollars for years they missed out on name, image, and likeness opportunities, and one HBCU is opting into that settlement.
Morgan State University announced Tuesday evening that it will opt into the House settlement in hopes that a sustainable model for NIL and protections from legal action will emerge.
“Morgan’s decision to opt into the House v. NCAA settlement reflects our unwavering commitment to student-athlete success and our proactive approach to navigating the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics,” Morgan State president David Wilson said in a statement released by the university. “With the full support of our Board of Regents, we believe this decision is in the best interest of our institution, ensuring compliance, stability, and new opportunities for our student-athletes moving forward.”
Morgan State is expected to contribute over $230,000 to the settlement fund and reduce football roster size with an eye toward adding Olympic sports to remain in compliance with Title IX.
Bears athletic director Dena Freeman-Patton states, “Opting in ensures that we remain competitive while continuing to prioritize the well-being and success of our student-athletes. This decision allows us to leverage institutional resources strategically, invest in our programs, and create pathways for financial support beyond traditional NIL opportunities. Ultimately, this strengthens our ability to recruit, retain, and support the next generation of Morgan Bear athletes.”
Morgan State’s decision was made independently of any Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action regarding House vs. NCAA.
