South Dakota Reaches NCAA Settlement, Easing Financial Burden on State Universities

The agreement cuts payments by 33% for Division I schools, including South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, while safeguarding women's sports funding and ensuring continued support for the Women’s Basketball Performance Fund.

By Crystal Blue April 24, 2025 11:28 am

PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a settlement in the state’s lawsuit against the NCAA, which will reduce the financial impact of a $2.8 billion class-action settlement brought by student-athletes in California. The agreement offers a 33% reduction in payments for Division I schools, including South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota. It also protects funding for female athletes and maintains full support for the Women’s Basketball Performance Fund. The NCAA will redirect a $55 million surplus to ease the first-year financial obligations of member conferences, saving South Dakota’s conferences about $2 million. The NCAA also committed to discussions about hosting future events in the state, building on previous successful tournaments. The state has now agreed to dismiss its lawsuit.

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