SLU will opt in for NCAA settlement, opening door for direct payment of athletes in 2025-26

AD Chris May says, "We're in a good financial space but we have to grow it."

Saint Louis University plans to take advantage of the recent court settlement involving the NCAA to pay athletes directly starting with the 2025-26 academic year.

Athletics director Chris May said Tuesday that SLU will opt in, a move that will move money raised previously by the NIL collective to the athletic department’s control and allow for more revenue to be added to the fund by the university.

The settlement is expected to be finalized April 7 and schools will have until July 1 to opt in or out. It received preliminary approval in October.