NCAA Athletes Can Now Get Paid by Their Schools 💰

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. NCAA Schools Can Now Pay Athletes Directly 💵

For the first time in NCAA history, Division I schools will be allowed to pay their athletes directly. The move comes as part of the House v. NCAA settlement, approved this past Friday.

Here’s what it means:

• The NCAA will pay $2.8 billion in back damages over the next 10 years to athletes who competed in college from 2016 to now.

• Starting July 1, schools can begin making direct payments to current athletes.

👉 Get the full rundown from ESPN

WHY IT MATTERS: This settlement marks the end of amateurism as we’ve known it in college sports. While NIL deals already allowed players to earn from sponsors and endorsements, this new system means athletes will now be paid directly by their athletic departments.

Some schools—like Notre Dame and Arizona—have already hired general managers to help manage this shift. This will undoubtedly impact women’s basketball programs, though the full extent remains to be seen. Schools must offer payment opportunities across all sports, but they’re not required to distribute funds equally.

What’s more, current federal guidance has made it clear that these payments won’t be subject to Title IX requirements. That could lead to an even greater concentration of top women’s basketball talent at a small number of programs willing—and able—to offer big money. For now, it’s wait-and-see.

2. Where the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Stands at the Halfway Mark 🏆

We’re halfway through Commissioner’s Cup tournament play, which runs through June 17. Here's where the teams stand so far:

💰 The top team from each conference will meet in the Championship Game on July 1, with a $500,000 prize pool on the line. (WNBA)

👉 Need a refresher on how the cup works? Here’s our quick explainer.

WHY IT MATTERS: Every WNBA game counts, but Cup games count extra. With real money at stake, players and coaches bring extra energy and urgency to every Commissioner’s Cup matchup.

3. Courtney Vandersloot Out for the Season with Torn ACL 😢

Tough news for one of the WNBA’s all-time greats. Courtney Vandersloot—second on the league’s all-time assists list—will miss the rest of the 2025 season after tearing her right ACL in the June 7 game against Indiana. (Chicago Sky)

WHY IT MATTERS: This is a big blow for the Chicago Sky, who are already off to a tough 2–5 start. Vandersloot is a valuable vet who had just returned to the franchise where she spent most of her storied career. Now, her injury raises serious questions—not just about the Sky’s season, but about whether this could be the final chapter for one of the most respected point guards in league history.