On Wednesday, the Big Ten announced new restrictions on how they’ll go about using their Name, Image and Likeness money, and it is another reason why Notre Dame should continue to stay independent.
The announcement came ahead of a vote for the Protect College Sports Act, which now only allow each school to have a $49 million cap for its roster. This is significant due to the fact that it now hinders every Big Ten school with how they’ve been doing business with recruits and current players.
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There have been multiple reasons for the Irish to continue with its status quo as being the top independent school, and this is another reason why. If Notre Dame was to join a conference, they’d have an adhere to their rules, which could put a damper on how it spends its NIL.
Sure, this could all be moot if the PCSA does indeed go through, but to make an announcement before it goes into effect seems like a bad move. NBC Sports Nicole Auerbach explained that it was to better prepare the Big Ten teams if the bill passes, but at this point it’s hard to say what will happen. If it doesn’t, they could be kicking themselves for making such a rash decision.
You would have to bet that the SEC won’t do anything until a ruling is made, and like Notre Dame, they’re going to ride it out until they can’t. This could potentially turn recruits away from Big Ten schools due to having cap limits. It will be interesting to see how the Irish go about this, as they have expressed their approval of the PCSA.
