A new chapter for college sports is beginning as Boise State prepares to pay its athletes directly.

the approval of a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement on Friday has paved the way for universities to compensate student-athletes through licensing agreements. The agreement includes an annual salary cap, projected to begin at $20.5 million for the 2025-26 season, with yearly increases throughout the 10-year term.

Payments to athletes are scheduled to commence on July 1.

Following the settlement announcement, boise State athletics released a statement on X.

“Today’s announcement marks an unprecedented day in the history of college athletics,” the statement read. “Boise State is positioned for success and is committed to offering all Bronco student-athletes a BroncoPRO contract. not because we have to, but because moments like these embody the definition of embracing competitive excellence.”

“Our Bleed Blue mentality has proven to withstand the test of time. As bar raisers, we welcome what’s next.”

BroncoPRO – Professional Resources Organization – will manage NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) services and revenue-sharing for Boise State athletes.

“College athletics is changing,but it has been in a constant change for the better part of the last decade-plus,and we at Boise State will stay ahead of the evolution of college athletics by continuing to plan the work and work the plan,” Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey said back in March.

after the House settlement announcement, Dickey posted his own statement on X.

“A transformative moment for college athletics,” Dickey wrote. “We’ve been preparing for this for our student-athletes for over a year. Plan work … work plan. Grateful for our (Boise State) TEAM and the creation of BroncoPRO. We will NEVER stop … bar raisers! Already on to what’s next!”

Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould also released a statement regarding the historic House settlement.

Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno state, San Diego State and Utah State are all leaving the Mountain West conference for the Pac-12 in 2026.

“It’s a new day in collegiate athletics,” Gould wrote. “This historic moment allows us to maintain what makes college sports special, the advancement of young individuals through sport, while also evolving to meet today’s student-athletes where they are with new opportunities in a manner that provides long-term stability for collegiate athletics. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues as we implement and introduce the future of college sports.”

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