Rebels,
June 6, 2025, marked a significant milestone with the formal approval of the House v. NCAA class action settlement. For the first time in college athletics history, member institutions like UNLV now have the opportunity to directly compensate student-athletes through a cutting-edge revenue-sharing model.
UNLV has opted into the House Settlement to maintain our competitive edge in collegiate athletics and continue attracting and supporting exceptional student-athletes. We are fully committed to embracing this transformative era that recognizes our student-athletes' invaluable contributions and will initiate this groundbreaking model as we move forward together.
The settlement builds on UNLV’s long-standing commitment to a student-athlete-first mindset, positioning us as leaders both academically and athletically. Over the years, we have diligently worked to enhance the Rebel experience and remain committed to our student-athletes—a testament to UNLV being the state's largest university and a Carnegie R1 major research institution.
As we navigate this new era, our leadership team has been preparing extensively. Collaborations across our department, alongside university partners and legislative leaders, have enabled us to act swiftly, responsibly, and strategically. College sports have forever changed, and we are ready to make a lasting, positive impact on our student-athletes' lives during and beyond their careers as Rebels.
What are the next steps and ways you can contribute to supporting the Rebels?
Revenue Sharing Model: In line with the settlement, a portion of our athletics department revenue will be shared with student-athletes in our programs. Your engagement and continued support play a critical role in advancing our mission to Graduate Leaders, Win Championships, and Excel in All That We Do.
Funding Sources: Diverse revenue streams, including season ticket purchases, philanthropic support, sponsorships, concessions, licensing, and operational efficiencies, are vital to sustain UNLV Athletics.
Compliance and Legal Oversight: UNLV is steadfast in ensuring Title IX and NCAA compliance, having developed contracts and crucial guardrails for responsible stewardship of resources.
Scholarship and Roster Changes: The introduction of increased scholarship limits under the settlement opens new avenues for academic support. Each student-athlete will be eligible for a full scholarship, enhancing their academic and athletic journeys at UNLV.
Our student-athletes continue to excel, achieving commendable academic records, which include a 16th consecutive semester with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. They consistently embody the spirit of excellence, graduating at an 88% rate, earning multiple Academic All-America honors, and setting new records, such as the graduation of 102 student-athletes in spring 2025. UNLV student-athletes completed 3,218 community service hours in addition to their stellar academic performance.
As we enter this unprecedented phase, there will be challenges, but our shared mission remains clear. Your continued commitment to supporting the “Rebel Up” Campaign, launched in October 2022 in anticipation of the House Settlement, is crucial. New fundraising streams are being developed to enhance the student-athlete experience further.
Thank you for your unwavering loyalty and passion for the Rebels. We look forward to navigating this new landscape together, aiming for a greater UNLV and relying on your continued support and enthusiasm.
Go Rebels!
Erick B. Harper
UNLV Director of Athletics
June 6, 2025, marked a significant milestone with the formal approval of the House v. NCAA class action settlement. For the first time in college athletics history, member institutions like UNLV now have the opportunity to directly compensate student-athletes through a cutting-edge revenue-sharing model.
UNLV has opted into the House Settlement to maintain our competitive edge in collegiate athletics and continue attracting and supporting exceptional student-athletes. We are fully committed to embracing this transformative era that recognizes our student-athletes' invaluable contributions and will initiate this groundbreaking model as we move forward together.
The settlement builds on UNLV’s long-standing commitment to a student-athlete-first mindset, positioning us as leaders both academically and athletically. Over the years, we have diligently worked to enhance the Rebel experience and remain committed to our student-athletes—a testament to UNLV being the state's largest university and a Carnegie R1 major research institution.
As we navigate this new era, our leadership team has been preparing extensively. Collaborations across our department, alongside university partners and legislative leaders, have enabled us to act swiftly, responsibly, and strategically. College sports have forever changed, and we are ready to make a lasting, positive impact on our student-athletes' lives during and beyond their careers as Rebels.
What are the next steps and ways you can contribute to supporting the Rebels?
Revenue Sharing Model: In line with the settlement, a portion of our athletics department revenue will be shared with student-athletes in our programs. Your engagement and continued support play a critical role in advancing our mission to Graduate Leaders, Win Championships, and Excel in All That We Do.
Funding Sources: Diverse revenue streams, including season ticket purchases, philanthropic support, sponsorships, concessions, licensing, and operational efficiencies, are vital to sustain UNLV Athletics.
Compliance and Legal Oversight: UNLV is steadfast in ensuring Title IX and NCAA compliance, having developed contracts and crucial guardrails for responsible stewardship of resources.
Scholarship and Roster Changes: The introduction of increased scholarship limits under the settlement opens new avenues for academic support. Each student-athlete will be eligible for a full scholarship, enhancing their academic and athletic journeys at UNLV.
Our student-athletes continue to excel, achieving commendable academic records, which include a 16th consecutive semester with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. They consistently embody the spirit of excellence, graduating at an 88% rate, earning multiple Academic All-America honors, and setting new records, such as the graduation of 102 student-athletes in spring 2025. UNLV student-athletes completed 3,218 community service hours in addition to their stellar academic performance.
As we enter this unprecedented phase, there will be challenges, but our shared mission remains clear. Your continued commitment to supporting the “Rebel Up” Campaign, launched in October 2022 in anticipation of the House Settlement, is crucial. New fundraising streams are being developed to enhance the student-athlete experience further.
Thank you for your unwavering loyalty and passion for the Rebels. We look forward to navigating this new landscape together, aiming for a greater UNLV and relying on your continued support and enthusiasm.
Go Rebels!
Erick B. Harper
UNLV Director of Athletics
