The University of Maine will opt into a landmark settlement between the NCAA and Division I student athletes after initially opting out last month. The settlement is effective July 1, and allows colleges and universities to pay athletes directly in addition to providing them with athletic scholarships.
The almost $3 billion settlement was formally approved in early June and will allow schools to pay athletes directly, ending three federal antitrust lawsuits claiming that the NCAA was illegally limiting the earning power of athletes.
In a statement this week, the UMaine athletic department said after reviewing the final settlement and clarifying guidance regarding roster limits, they have decided to opt in next school year.
Roster limits have increased across most Division I sports under the new settlement and every athlete can be offered a scholarship up to $20 million dollars.
