University of Iowa Launches Student-Athlete Revenue Sharing Fund

Last week, a federal judge approved a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement that set the table for US colleges to begin paying student-athletes directly. In recent years, the legalization of name, image, likeness (NIL) deals has made many student-athletes millionaires before they even "go pro" and join major sports leagues. Now, colleges have the opportunity to pay student-athletes salaries.

College football is the "wild west" at the moment, in so many words, and it's going to take years to iron things. No less, the competitive playing field is already being shifted. We saw it with men's March Madness this year. There are fewer "Cinderella stories," as the bigger programs have the spending/NIL power, and when the season is done, they can look at mid-major schools and pillage their talent.

With all these significant changes happening in college athletics, the University of Iowa is acting quickly. They have created a program called "Flight Funds," which is designed to share revenue with student athletes.

The university announced the fund will take effect on July 1st, 2025, and will allow donors to invest in student-athlete revenue sharing. The purpose is to help Iowa "build championship-caliber programs," per the school's release.

Flight Funds will support revenue sharing for football, men's and women's basketball, and men's wrestling. It appears the remainder of the University of Iowa's sports will receive money through a "general support" Flight Fund:

We are eager to embrace this new era of opportunity for Iowa Athletics. We are committed to participating at the maximum level in revenue-sharing with our student-athletes. Through initiatives like Flight Funds and expanded revenue opportunities, we strengthen financial stability while reinforcing our commitment to the success and well-being of our student-athletes - Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz, per a press release from the University of Iowa

You can find out more about the University of Iowa's Flight Funds program on the school's website.