LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – As UA Little Rock and Trojan Athletics chart a path to ensure future competitiveness, success and growth opportunities in a new era of Intercollegiate Athletics, the institution has decided to 'Opt In' on the
House v. NCAA settlement, a landmark resolution addressing Student-Athlete compensation.
The decision allows Little Rock to develop a more sustainable and equitable model for Intercollegiate Athletics. Terms of the settlement establish opportunities for the Trojans to Share Revenue with its Student-Athletes for use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, allowing the institution to allocate resources directly to Student-Athletes while maintaining championship-caliber programs.
"UA Little Rock's decision to 'Opt In' on the
House v. NCAA settlement reflects our unwavering commitment to support Trojan Student-Athletes and our proactive approach to navigating the evolving landscape of Intercollegiate Athletics," said UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale. "Remaining competitive in a league with the footprint and reputation of the Ohio Valley Conference is important for us. We believe this is in the best interest of our institution, ensuring we continue to compete at the highest levels and recruit the best and brightest Student-Athletes. The next phase for Trojan Athletics aligns with the bold, strategic actions already underway at UA Little Rock."
Under the settlement's provisions, Power Five conference schools were automatically included, while other Division I institutions could choose to opt in individually. Little Rock, a proud member of the Ohio Valley Conference (
OVC), made the independent decision to 'Opt In', recognizing the opportunity to enhance competitiveness at the conference and national levels, strengthen athletic programs, and invest in the overall Student-Athlete experience.
Frank M. Cuervo, Little Rock Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, noted that not all OVC members will opt in immediately, and some may choose not to participate.
"This decision was the right one to make for Little Rock and Trojan Athletics," said Cuervo. "In this new era of Intercollegiate Athletics, you have to adapt to the changing landscape, and we believe 'Opting In' ensures that we gain a strategic advantage which will allow us to compete at the very top of the OVC and beyond, while continuing to prioritize the well-being and success of our Student-Athletes."
As a result of the decision, Little Rock will now have institutional control over Revenue Sharing and NIL efforts utilized to recruit top Student-Athletes and enhance opportunities to support them.
"Over the coming years, this decision will enable us to enhance support and infrastructure for Student-Athlete success," Cuervo added. "It positions the Trojans for sustained excellence both academically and competitively, in alignment with the University's mission. By strategically leveraging our resources, we will create new financial support pathways beyond traditional scholarships, strengthening our ability to recruit, retain, and support the next generation of Trojan Student-Athletes."
The Little Rock Department of Athletics has developed a multi-faceted plan to create opportunities so that the program can participate in Revenue Sharing with its Student-Athletes and best position the Trojans in the evolving national framework. This plan will involve a new approach to strategic allocation of resources for sport programs, institutional investment, and enhancing revenue streams generated from external sources including philanthropic gifts, ticket sales, corporate sponsorships and other entrepreneurial efforts.
The House v. NCAA settlement requires all Division I Schools – even those that choose not to opt into the Student-Athlete compensation portion of the agreement – to pay into the $2.8 billion settlement over the next 10 years to compensate current and former college athletes for the NCAA's use of their name, images and Likeness (NIL) rights.
To fulfill its part of the financial settlement, Little Rock will contribute an estimated $230,000 annually over the next 10 years to the payout fund and adhere to new roster and scholarship limits.
For more information about Trojan Athletics, visit LRTrojans.com or follow us on Social Media @LRTrojans.
