Big Ten Implements $49 Million NIL Spending Cap
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The conference is adopting a financial framework modeled after the pending Protect College Sports Act to stabilize roster budgeting.
The Big Ten announced Wednesday the immediate implementation of a $49 million NIL spending cap for all member institutions, as CBS Sports first reported. The policy is designed to mirror the economic structure of the Protect College Sports Act, a piece of legislation currently awaiting a House of Representatives vote.
The cap is divided into two distinct spending buckets. The first is a $21.6 million revenue-sharing cap established by the House settlement. The second is a $27.5 million limit on NIL spending from third parties, including collectives.
In a statement, the Big Ten council of chancellors noted that the rule is intended to allow member institutions to budget and build rosters while demonstrating commitment to the Protect College Sports Act. The move provides a financial framework for schools looking toward 2027 and beyond, which is particularly significant given current spending levels. CBS Sports reports that Ohio State and Oregon are spending over $40 million on football this year, while USC and Michigan are approaching that same threshold.
The viability of the Protect College Sports Act remains uncertain. The House is on recess until Nov. 9, and any bill not passed by Jan. 3 will die. CBS Sports reports that Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) opposes the bill, and some Republicans are seeking amendments, including a ban on classifying athletes as employees and a hard cap on international athletes. Such changes would require the bill to return to the Senate, further complicating its passage.