Colorado is the latest Power Four school to cut ties with an official NIL team. The decision comes as athletic departments across the country brace for the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, which is expected to be finalized later this year.
“We are restructuring our NIL procedures to be ready for the upcoming changes,” Colorado athletic director Rick George said in an email to fans Monday morning.
This comes after a season that saw the Buffaloes re-emerge college football landscape. under his leadership Deion Sandersthe team finished 2024 with a 9–4 record, narrowly missing the Big 12 championship game and making its first bowl appearance in a full season since 2016.
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The development will help Colorado build a more stable program with a significant financial injection. With Sanders in charge and a solid revenue-sharing formula, fans can expect the program to remain competitive for the next several years.
How much money will Colorado be able to distribute to athletes?
The founding house's settlement against the NCAA ushers in a transformative era for college athletics. When finally ratified and enacted, it would allow schools to compensate athletes directly through revenue sharing, with a maximum annual cap of $22 million covering all athletic programs.
In addition, athletes retain the ability to generate income through NIL deals. Schools can also continue to partner with collectives to distribute funds beyond the stated $22 million cap. Together, these measures promise to reshape the financial landscape of college sports.
This landmark decision represents a departure from traditional restrictions, allowing players to receive payments directly from their organizations – something previously prohibited. Rick George believes the development will be beneficial Colorado for many reasons.
“I believe these changes will not only keep CU as the gold standard in student-athlete support, but also make it easier for fans like you to invest in our student-athletes when it matters most,” George said.
George's email on Monday provided new guidance for donors interested in financially supporting Colorado athletics during the operational transition. Donors are now encouraged to contribute directly to the Buff Club's AD Excellence Fund or Sports Excellence Fund.
These new channels eliminate the need for third-party collectives like the 5430 Alliance and simplify the process for those looking to invest in the program's future. It also gives the athletic department a good level of control over athlete compensation, providing some flexibility and stability.
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein