What the House v. NCAA Settlement Means for High School Student Athletes
The House v. NCAA settlement has officially transformed the landscape of college athletics, ushering in a new era of athlete compensation, brand partnerships, and professionalization. With $2.8 billion in backpay for former athletes and a new revenue-sharing model allowing schools to pay current student athletes directly, the line between amateur and professional sports is quickly disappearing.
For high school student athletes and their families, this shift means two things: greater opportunity and greater complexity.
Coaches will expect more than talent. They will prioritize recruits who are academically sound, mentally prepared, and ready to navigate NIL deals, personal branding, and financial planning. The rules have changed. The expectations have risen. Early, intentional preparation is now essential.
That is where POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting comes in.
At POLARIS, we help student athletes prepare with purpose by equipping them with the knowledge, structure, and confidence to succeed in this new era of college sports. From academic advising and NCAA eligibility to recruiting strategy, NIL literacy, and long-term career planning, we offer tailored, grade-based guidance to support student athletes from middle school through senior year.
We are not a recruiting agency. We are professional school counselors, directors of college counseling, mentors, and advocates, committed to helping student athletes and their families make informed, values-aligned decisions at every step. In a system now shaped by revenue sharing and endorsement deals, our mission is to keep education, integrity, and long-term opportunity at the center of the conversation. Our NIL advising is rooted in the same philosophy as our college counseling: we guide each student athlete toward opportunities that align with their values and lay the foundation for a purpose-driven future.
College sports may be changing forever. With the right support, your student athlete can be ready for it.
Here’s what’s changing:
$2.8 billion in backpay will be distributed to former Division I athletes
A 22% revenue-sharing cap allows schools to directly pay athletes
Scholarship limits are out, replaced by overall roster caps
This is a historic pivot from the amateur model to a professionalized, revenue-sharing future. Athletes could soon earn up to $20.5 million per year per school in shared revenue.
But there’s a catch. That income is:
Capped at four years
Inaccessible after graduation
Dependent on remaining enrolled
That’s where brand partnerships take center stage.
While revenue sharing may fade after college, NIL deals are built to last. Brand partnerships:
Follow athletes beyond campus
Elevate visibility in every sport
Ensure equity across gender lines
Provide long-term value and earning potential
Create professional network and career growth opportunities
For high school student athletes, here’s what it means:
Increased Opportunities, Higher Expectations
With schools now permitted to share revenue with athletes, there’s likely to be even more competition for roster spots, especially at top Division I programs. Coaches may prioritize recruits who not only perform athletically and academically, but also have strong personal brands and professionalism.
NIL Literacy Will Matter More
Student athletes who understand NIL rights, brand building, and how to navigate endorsement opportunities will have an edge. This makes early education around digital presence, contracts, and compliance essential.
Clearer Financial Pathways
While most athletes won’t see large payouts, the idea that they can be compensated by schools directly makes college athletics more financially viable for some families—and introduces new questions about equity, taxes, and long-term planning.
Holistic Preparation Is Critical
With more money and attention in the mix, schools will expect maturity, discipline, and a strong support system. High school student athletes will benefit from guidance not only on recruiting and eligibility, but also on decision-making, financial literacy, and personal development.
In short, this shift raises both the stakes and the opportunities. Aspiring college athletes need to be more prepared, more informed, and more strategic than ever before. As schools adapt to the new financial model, student athletes and brands alike must think beyond the scoreboard. The era of athlete entrepreneurship is just beginning.
To quote Solly Fulp, EVP of NIL Growth and Development at Learfield:
“Success depends on aligning brand deals with athlete values and interests.”
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, our mission is to empower student athletes to prioritize their education while strategically building a strong foundation for life beyond sports. Through comprehensive academic advising, college counseling, and NIL guidance, we support young student athletes and their families with integrity, balance, and long-term vision—preparing them for success in the classroom, in competition, and throughout their careers.