In a move that’s sure to shake up college athletics, the NCAA has settled the House v. NCAA case for $2.8 billion. This decision, finalized in June 2025, ends an era when college athletes brought in big money for their schools without seeing any direct payment.
Now, universities can share up to $20 million a year in athletic revenue with their players. That changes how athletic departments handle budgets, recruiting, and keeping their best talent. The University of Denver (DU) isn’t wasting any time—Peter Mannino is stepping in as the new Assistant Athletic Director for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
The End of Amateurism and the Rise of NIL
For years, college athletes were stuck under the NCAA’s amateurism rules. They couldn’t earn money, even as their performances brought in millions.
Things started shifting in 2021 when the NCAA let athletes profit from their name, image, and likeness. The House v. NCAA settlement builds on that, letting schools share athletic revenue directly with players.
Impact on Smaller Programs
Big schools with massive fan bases and deep-pocketed donors have already seen their athletes land major deals. Smaller schools like DU? It’s been tougher to keep up.
The new model will probably focus on sports that bring in the most cash—think men’s basketball and football. But DU stands out in sports like women’s gymnastics, skiing, and hockey, which could be both a hurdle and a chance to do things differently.
DU’s Strategic Response
DU has brought in Peter Mannino, a 2008 graduate, to steer their NIL efforts. He’ll run the university’s NIL strategy and education programs for all varsity sports.
Mannino will also keep an eye on national NIL trends to make sure DU follows NCAA, state, and federal rules. It’s a lot to juggle, but DU seems determined to stay ahead.
Educational Integration
DU Athletics is teaming up with other departments to help student-athletes both academically and financially. The Daniels College of Business and Sturm College of Law are helping athletes learn about marketing, brand management, and contracts.
It’s not just theory—this gives students experience they can actually use, and it looks good on a resume too.
Challenges and Opportunities
This new revenue-sharing approach isn’t all smooth sailing for smaller schools. Money will likely come from current athletic budgets, forcing departments to make some tough calls.
Smaller sports might feel the squeeze if resources shift toward programs that grab more attention or wins. That’s just the reality, but maybe there’s room for creative solutions.
Maintaining Excellence
DU’s hockey program, fresh off another strong postseason, will stay at the heart of the school’s athletic identity. But keeping up that level of success means adapting to the new economics of college sports.
DU is in a unique spot—no football team, no major basketball program—so maybe there’s less pressure, but also a chance to chart their own path.
Financial Implications
One big question: How will the money actually get split up? Will every athlete benefit, or just the stars?
The NCAA says schools can share up to $20 million a year with student-athletes, but DU officials aren’t sure if they’ll hit that cap. It’s a wait-and-see situation.
Funding Sources
Mannino has made it clear that this settlement won’t impact tuition or student fees. NIL and revenue sharing are funded separately—through athletics revenue, donations, and sponsorships.
So, DU students shouldn’t worry about tuition hikes just because athletes are finally getting paid. That’s a relief, right?
Future of College Athletics at DU
With college sports becoming more commercial, expect more debates about fairness, identity, and what it really means to play for DU. The business side is changing fast, but at Denver, the mission feels the same: striving for excellence, whether it’s on the ice, the field, or the court.
Equity and Fairness
At DU, they’re working on a model that actually fits the school’s values—fairness, balance, and opportunity. It’s not just about chasing flashy numbers or big headlines.
The university wants to put student growth first. They’re leaning into academic partnerships and aiming for athletic success that can actually last.
For more details, check out the full article on the DU Clarion website.
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