University of Connecticut Athletics
House Settlement Approved: A New Era for College Athletics
6/9/2025 8:00:00 PM | General
Dear UConn Nation,
In June 2020, a lawsuit was filed by a former college swimmer named Grant House, seeking damages for student-athletes who were unable to earn money from their name, image and likeness (NIL). This lawsuit and other similar cases were ultimately consolidated into what has been popularly referred to as the House vs. NCAA settlement. Now, five years later, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken has just granted final approval of the historic settlement, which will reshape college athletics through the introduction of revenue sharing with student-athletes starting on July 1.
As you know from my prior communications, all of us at UConn have been closely monitoring the legal proceedings and making plans for this eventuality. Revenue sharing represents a necessary and significant financial investment and, as such, we have been meeting regularly to explore new and enhanced revenue streams in order to identify funding sources. From bolstering ticket sales to securing additional corporate sponsorships to elevating media rights, we have been analyzing every opportunity to enhance departmental income, while minimizing or postponing expenditures that don't carry an associated return. We are also studying possible naming rights initiatives, more robust concession areas at our facilities, and merchandising/apparel sales expansion in the market. Maximizing revenues in the new world order will be a paramount priority.
The other critical element in our revenue generation efforts, which I have shared with our loyal supporters through my emails, in person at games and through regular conversations, is private fundraising. The House settlement permits athletic departments to share up to $20.5 million annually with their student-athletes. This year, we intend to share $18 million, with the near-term goal of being fully funded. It is only with the support of our loyal fans that we will be able to thrive in this evolving landscape, as success in revenue sharing directly translates to success on the fields of competition.
As I have conveyed previously, we need to double our overall donor participation in terms of Husky Athletic Fund members and contributions, in order to continue competing at the highest level. If we cherish the joy that is derived from conference, regional and national championships, along with bowl wins, we need to lock arms and travel this road together. The college athletics game has changed, but our focus on greatness doesn't have to.
For those who already give so generously, we appreciate you more than you know. Please join us in recruiting more fans who understand the urgency and will make a gift to the Fight On Fund. With your help, we will grow our base of support, produce more winners, and share the ongoing pride in our achievements.
Thank you for your dedication to UConn Athletics and our student-athletes. Go Huskies!
Sincerely,
David Benedict
Director of Athletics
