🏟️ A Landmark Shift in College Athletics Just Happened

Welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Industry Weekly.
We’re breaking down the biggest headlines, boldest moves, and emerging trends shaping the business of sports. From major deals to industry shifts, here’s what you need to know. Let’s dive in.

The NCAA has reached a settlement in a landmark class action lawsuit filed by UNC tennis star Reese Brantmeier and former Texas player Maya Joint, though specific terms have not yet been disclosed. The two sides informed a federal court in North Carolina that they have agreed on material terms, with 60 days to submit final settlement details. The case challenged the NCAA’s longstanding limits on how much prize money college tennis players can accept.

Brantmeier first sued the NCAA in 2024 after winning $50,000 from the USTA at the 2021 US Open. Under current NCAA rules, tennis student athletes are capped at $10,000 per year in prize money from non NCAA events, unless additional earnings only cover actual and necessary expenses. Joint later joined the lawsuit after earning $140,000 for reaching the second round of the 2024 US Open before turning pro. She is now ranked No. 29 in the world.

The case added further scrutiny to how the NCAA regulates athlete compensation in individual sports. Brantmeier, now a senior at UNC, went on to win the 2025 NCAA women’s singles championship, while other college players such as Columbia’s Michael Zheng have also faced uncertainty around major tournament winnings. The settlement signals continued pressure on the NCAA as athletes push for more flexibility in retaining prize money earned on the professional stage. (read more)

⭐ A new All Star era is taking shape as Mat Ishbia and Mark Cuban reflect on lessons from David Stern while helping reimagine the NBA’s showcase weekend.

🏁 Apple is reportedly mapping out a Formula One partnership that could reshape how fans watch racing worldwide.

📺 The Big Ten and SEC are ramping up efforts in Congress while leveraging massive TV deals to strengthen their influence over the future structure and governance of college sports.

🍌 The Savannah Bananas are expanding their partnership with ESPN, bringing more of their viral baseball entertainment to a national television audience.

🥇 Team USA’s gold medal game drew 20.7 million viewers on NBC, delivering a massive ratings moment for international competition on U.S. television.

🌎 World Cup organizers are scaling back Fan Fest plans as costs and logistical pressures reshape the tournament’s off-field experience strategy.

💰 The WNBA’s new CBA proposal centers on significantly increasing max salaries and expanding players’ revenue share as the league negotiates its next era of financial growth.

📈 The Atlanta Braves reported an 11% revenue increase in 2025, reaching $732 million as continued on-field success and strong business operations fuel financial growth.

🏈 Army and Navy are evaluating a potential schedule shift as the expanding College Football Playoff could create future conflicts with their historic rivalry game.

⚖️ A new lawsuit involving Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby adds to the growing wave of NIL-related legal battles shaping the future of college football compensation and athlete rights.

⛳ LIV Golf is moving on from Greg Norman while recalibrating its aggressive spending strategy as the league enters a new phase of growth and scrutiny.

🏟️ The Jacksonville Jaguars are modifying their London plans as they move forward with a $1.4 billion stadium overhaul in Jacksonville.

CLICK BEFORE YOU GO