Big Ten limits schools' involvement in outside NIL deals

The Big Ten has adopted a new conference rule that limits how far its member schools can go in third-party name, image and likeness (NIL) deals involving athletes. The move comes before Congress considers the Protect College Sports Act, a bill the conference says it fully supports.

Under the rule, which was approved unanimously by league members and takes effect immediately, institutional involvement in athlete NIL agreements will be capped at about $49 million per school. That total combines direct payments to players with institutional NIL payments allowed under the House settlement.

The pending federal bill would add $27.5 million to the amount schools can spend on direct payments to players, more than doubling the current $21.5 million cap. Conference leaders say the new rule is designed to help schools plan, budget and build rosters around a similar financial structure while the legislation is still under consideration.

The Big Ten says the rule is meant to guide its members and give athletes a clear picture of the limits that will apply in upcoming NIL discussions. Schools and their lead athletics staff must confirm that they are following the rule, and violations could bring escalating financial penalties and other disciplinary action.

The restriction applies only to what institutions do. Athletes themselves remain free to pursue NIL opportunities on their own, the conference said, as schools prepare for the signing and transfer periods ahead.