AAC establishes a minimum for schools to share income with athletes


The American athletic conference will require that each member, except the army and the Navy, provide athletes at least $ 10 million in additional benefits in the next three years, which makes it the only league so far to establish a minimum standard with the exchange of income that is expected to begin in the sports of division I in July.

The presidents of AAC approved the Plan last week after reviewing the study of a University Sports Consulting firm of the conference. The three -year plan will enter into force once a federal judge approves the antimonopoly agreement of the Chamber of $ 2.8 billion V. NCAA, which is expected next month.

Commissioner Tim Pernetti said on Wednesday that 13 of the 15 AAC schools would opt for the settlement of the camera, which, among other things, provides payments to athletes of up to $ 20.5 million per school the first year. The Army and the Navy are excluded because they do not offer athletic scholarships and their athletes cannot accept the name of name, image and likeness.

“For the conference, to step forward and say that we are not only opting, but this is what we are going to do at least it mean the serious nature and our commitment not only to offer a great experience for athletes but for success,” said Pernetti.

ACC officials, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC told Associated Press that each of their schools will be free to decide their level of income participation. Power conference schools generate the largest amount of television revenue, and the majority is expected to finance the full $ 20.5 million or close to it.

The AAC Plan, first reported by Yahoo Sports, would allow each school to establish its own rhythm to reach the total of $ 10 million by 2027-28. For example, a school could share $ 2 million the first year, $ 3 million the second and $ 5 million per third.

The AAC considers new scholarships, payments for academic expenses and direct payments as additional benefits. Each school, with some limits, can generally distribute them as it considers it convenient.

“We wanted to provide flexibility for everyone to reach the number, however, it makes more sense to them,” said Pernetti. “What I hope is a variety of different approaches. I am quite sure that many of the institutions will overcome [$10 million] In year 1. “

Not reaching $ 10 million for three years could endanger the membership of a school, but Pernetti said there will be annual policy reviews.

“All our universities made the decision a long time to deliver athletics and this experience at the highest level,” Pernetti said. “For me, it's not about visiting that again. It's about making sure we are preparing for success in the future.”

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