NCAA to Implement Roster Reform at Division I Level: Major Changes Expected

The NCAA is on the verge of implementing a groundbreaking roster reform that will revolutionize collegiate athletics at the Division I level. According to a report by Yahoo! Sports, commissioners of the major power conferences have reached an agreement to increase roster sizes, allowing schools to allocate millions in scholarship dollars.

One of the most significant changes will be seen in FBS football, which will see a roster limit increase from 85 to 105 scholarships. The FCS level, currently at 63 scholarships, may also see an expansion, although details are still unclear.

Division I Baseball is set to undergo a major transformation, with scholarship spots increasing from 11.7 to 34. Basketball will also see a bump from 13 to 15 scholarships, while softball and volleyball will experience significant increases as well.

The new roster figures are expected to be included in a landmark settlement of three antitrust cases, including the House v. NCAA lawsuit. This agreement, set to be filed on Friday, will outline the distribution of $2.77 billion in back pay to former athletes and introduce a new revenue-sharing model that could see Division I schools distributing upwards of $20 million annually.

All sports will now be considered “equivalency sports,” allowing for the distribution of partial scholarships to players. This is a departure from the current system where football, basketball, and other sports are considered “head-count sports,” requiring players on scholarship to receive a full grant.

Furthermore, any increases in scholarships for men’s sports will have to be matched in women’s sports to comply with Title IX regulations. This roster reform is poised to reshape the landscape of collegiate athletics and provide more opportunities for student-athletes across the country.