Florida universities granted the option to use student fees to pay student athletes
Florida universities now have the option of paying student athletes directly through funds generated through student fees, housing, and bookstore sales, to name a few.
The change comes after a recent federal settlement cleared the path for student athletes to be compensated directly by schools.
Advertisement
Under the settlement, universities can spend up to $20.5 million a year on direct student athlete compensation starting July 1st, and an additional $2 million annually to backpay some former student athletes.
FSU sports management professor Dr. Kris White explained that up until now, athletes could be compensated through sponsorships and other deals, but never directly by their schools.
'We're at a pivotal point,' said White.
In response to the settlement, the Florida University Board of Governors approved this emergency rule, which allows universities to take up to $22.5 million from other revenue sources, like student fees, to use for student athlete pay.
Advertisement
'If our Board of Governors did not take action to assist the universities in the short term, our universities would be at a competitive disadvantage,' said Chancellor of the State University System of Florida Ray Rodrigues.
Rodrigues, who oversees the Board of Governors, explained that not every university will likely leverage the full $22.5 million.
'But everyone who is in a power five conference will,' said Rodrigues.
Rodrigues said that includes at least FSU, UCF, and UF.
It's not clear whether UNF will leverage the option, or if it could even afford to.
'You have to UNFs and other smaller schools, even like mid-major Division I schools, who likely might not be able to keep up with the rest of the people here. Keep up with the Jones' of the Florida States and things like that,' said Dr. White.
Advertisement
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
UNF grad student Meredith Bischoff said she isn't exactly thrilled with the idea of her fees going directly into student athletes' bank accounts.
'I'd really like to see that money go to our programs, and like the educational programs that will help the students,' said Bischoff.
But Rodrigues noted, the emergency rule includes protections to ensure universities cannot reallocate university funds to pay athletes if it negatively impacts non-athletic programs.
'And it's something our Governor has been very clear on. He wants to see our universities competitive athletically, but he also wants to ensure that our in-state students aren't facing increases in tuition and fees,' said Rodrigues.
Advertisement
Universities have until June 30th, 2028, to leverage the new option before the emergency rule expires. Then, they will have to figure out other ways to come up with the money to pay student athletes.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bloomberg
29 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Dr. Phil's Media Company Cuts 40 More Jobs, Pauses Evening News
Merit Street Media, the company founded by celebrity psychologist Phil McGraw, has cut jobs and paused some programming, according to a spokesperson. The business, based in Fort Worth, Texas, laid off about 40 staffers this week. An evening news show airing on the company's MeritTV network is being retooled and could return in the fall, the spokesperson said. A morning news program continues and will be supplemented by hourly news breaks.
Associated Press
30 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Youcef Belaili scores in Esperance's 1-0 victory over LAFC in the Club World Cup
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Yousef Belaili scored in the 70th minute and Esperance de Tunisie beat LAFC 1-0 on Friday night in the Club World Cup to remain in contention to advance and eliminate the California MLS team. LAFC had one final chance to tie it in the 99th minute on Dénis Bouanaga's right-footed shot off a penalty kick just in front, but goalkeeper Béchir Ben Säid smothered it. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were in the crowd of 13,651 at 30,000-seat GEODIS Park on a steamy late afternoon. Key moment After a back-and-forth pace, Belaili came through with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner through goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' legs. Takeaways Esperance will finish the round Tuesday night against Chelsea, with second place in Group D and a spot in the round of 16 on the line. Not only was LAFC eliminated, it has been shot out in both of its matches. LAFC had two goals wiped out by offsides in the first half. ___ AP soccer:
Washington Post
32 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Youcef Belaili scores in Esperance's 1-0 victory over LAFC in the Club World Cup
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Yousef Belaili scored in the 70th minute and Esperance de Tunisie beat LAFC 1-0 on Friday night in the Club World Cup to remain in contention to advance and eliminate the California MLS team. LAFC had one final chance to tie it in the 99th minute on Dénis Bouanaga's right-footed shot off a penalty kick just in front, but goalkeeper Béchir Ben Säid smothered it. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were in the crowd of 13,651 at 30,000-seat GEODIS Park on a steamy late afternoon. After a back-and-forth pace, Belaili came through with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner through goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' legs. Esperance will finish the round Tuesday night against Chelsea, with second place in Group D and a spot in the round of 16 on the line. Not only was LAFC eliminated, it has been shot out in both of its matches. LAFC had two goals wiped out by offsides in the first half. ___ AP soccer:
