Clemson University’s athletic director, Graham Neff, informed supporters that the school would fully engage in the NCAA’s upcoming revenue-sharing initiative under the House settlement. This decision comes as part of the university’s strategy to secure long-term success in college athletics. Neff’s announcement, made in a letter to athletic backers, emphasizes Clemson’s proactive approach to adapting to changes within the NCAA, stemming from a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement over athletes’ ability to earn money. A final approval of the settlement is expected in April 2025.
Under the terms of the House agreement, Clemson will distribute the maximum allowed amount of $20.5 million in revenue-sharing payments to athletes during the 2025-26 academic year. This funding will be in addition to scholarships, reflecting the university’s effort to enhance the financial support available to student-athletes. The decision aligns with Clemson’s goal to stay competitive as college sports evolve and ensure athletes receive fair compensation.
In addition to the revenue-sharing program, Clemson will significantly increase its scholarship offerings for the 2025-26 academic year. The school plans to add 150 new scholarships across all 21 of its sports, raising the total number of scholarships from 275 to 425. This expansion will provide more opportunities for student-athletes, further enhancing Clemson’s ability to attract and retain top talent across a variety of athletic programs.
To manage these changes, Clemson will establish a centralized “Front Office” within the athletic department. This office will oversee the details of athlete contracts, ensure compliance with NCAA regulations, and manage the allocation of both revenue-sharing funds and scholarships. Neff emphasized that the new structure would streamline operations, ensuring that Clemson remains in line with NCAA guidelines and maximizes the benefits for its student-athletes.
