As the 2025-26 season kicks off, the University of North Carolina (UNC) is stepping into a transformative era for college athletics.
Traditional markers of success like conference titles and Final Four runs still matter, but the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and revenue sharing is shaking up what it means to succeed in Chapel Hill.
This season, the NCAA’s landmark House settlement lets schools share revenue directly with athletes, marking the end of the old amateurism model.
UNC is now trying to balance its storied legacy with the new financial realities that are reshaping college sports.
The Landmark House Settlement
In June 2025, the NCAA reached a legal agreement called the House settlement.
Former athletes sued the NCAA and its conferences, arguing it was illegal to stop players from sharing in the billions their sports generated.
The settlement ended that model, finally letting schools pay athletes directly.
Each university can now distribute about $20 to $22 million per year to athletes, on top of whatever they pull in from personal NIL deals.
For the first time, players are getting paid by their universities, which, let’s be honest, is a huge shift.
Revenue Distribution at UNC
UNC is distributing $20.5 million to athletes this year.
Football gets the biggest chunk at $13 million, men’s basketball gets $7 million, and women’s basketball and baseball each receive $250,000.
This sum will go up by about four percent each year.
For men’s basketball, the NIL era has turned into a serious business.
UNC brought in Jim Tanner as general manager for the men’s program, signaling just how much the university is investing in the business side of things.
Players and staff now have someone to help them navigate contracts, compliance, and all the financial planning that comes with this new world.
Bill Belichick’s First Season at UNC
On the football side, UNC is drawing national attention with Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach.
He was hired in December 2024 and brings decades of NFL experience to Chapel Hill.
His contract pays $10 million a year, which says a lot about UNC’s investment and the expectations on the program.
The Tar Heels have started the 2025 season 2–2, working to adjust to a pro-style system.
With performance-based revenue distribution, players know their sport’s success is directly tied to financial rewards.
That puts even more weight on wins and staying nationally relevant.
Operational Changes at UNC
One of the biggest operational changes at UNC is having Jim Tanner as general manager of the men’s basketball program.
His job is to make sure players and staff are well-prepared to handle contracts, compliance, and financial planning.
This move really shows UNC is taking the business side of college sports seriously.
Financial Planning and Compliance
Tanner’s expertise in financial planning and compliance is more important than ever now.
With athletes getting direct compensation from the university, understanding contracts and money management is a must.
Tanner helps players stay sharp on and off the court, making sure they’re not just great athletes but also financially smart.
The Impact on Athletes
The new revenue distribution model is a game changer for athletes.
Players are finally being paid by their universities, which ends the old amateurism model for good.
This gives athletes a baseline level of compensation, in addition to whatever they can land through NIL deals.
Performance-Based Rewards
Now, athletes’ financial rewards are directly tied to how well their sport does.
Wins and national relevance matter more than ever, since better performance means bigger financial benefits.
This model gives athletes extra motivation—knowing their hard work will actually pay off in a tangible way.
Challenges and Opportunities
The new revenue model brings big opportunities for athletes, but it’s not without its headaches.
UNC faces the tricky task of balancing tradition with transformation.
The university has to hold onto its legacy while adapting to the financial structures that are changing college sports.
Maintaining Tradition
UNC’s legacy in college athletics is legendary, and protecting that tradition matters.
The challenge is keeping the university’s history and values intact while moving forward with new financial realities.
That balance is key to maintaining the spirit and integrity of UNC’s athletic programs.
Embracing Transformation
At the same time, embracing these new financial structures is just as important.
The revenue distribution model and NIL opportunities give athletes real financial support and open up doors that didn’t exist before.
UNC has to go all in on these changes to stay competitive and give its athletes the best shot at success, both on the field and beyond.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 season feels like a real crossroads for UNC and, honestly, for college athletics everywhere. NIL opportunities and revenue sharing are shaking things up in Chapel Hill.
Of course, trophies and banners still matter. But now, financial rewards and new doors opening for athletes are just as big a part of the story.
For UNC, it’s a tricky path—balancing what makes the program special with the changes sweeping through college sports. The scoreboard counts, sure, but so does the bottom line these days.
If you’re curious about how UNC is handling the NIL era, you might want to check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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