Wisconsin is preparing for a future that includes revenue sharing with athletes, resulting in fewer players for the Badgers. Athletic director Chris McIntosh mentioned that there will be 80 to 100 fewer athletes due to roster limits and scholarship caps being replaced. Despite these changes, McIntosh remains optimistic, focusing on academics, athletic competitiveness, and sustaining 23 sports. The pending settlement of antitrust cases against the NCAA and five conferences will reshape college sports, with Wisconsin likely seeing a decrease in NCAA disbursements and an annual pool of around $22 million per school for direct distribution to athletes. The settlement also introduces roster caps in football. Wisconsin has made operational changes and created an executive team to navigate the future of college sports. Revenue generation is becoming more crucial, with initiatives like premium seating and sports sponsorships being explored. Budget cuts may be necessary, but the focus remains on standardizing the NIL system, discerning between market-based NIL and pay-for-play. The impact of Title IX and potential funding cuts for non-revenue-generating sports are also concerns. Wisconsin is preparing to roll out a revenue-sharing system quickly once the settlement is approved, focusing on fairness and sustainability for the athletic department.
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