HOW VOLLEYBALL SCHOLARSHIPS WORK: HOW THE HOUSE SETTLEMENT AFFECTS RECRUITING
The House v. NCAA settlement is the most significant change to college athletics in decades. Here's what every volleyball athlete, parent, and coach needs to understand about how volleyball equivalency scholarships and recruiting are changing — and what to do about it.
HOUSE SETTLEMENT GUIDE
HOW THE HOUSE SETTLEMENT AFFECTS
THE SETTLEMENT EXPLAINED
VOLLEYBALL SCHOLARSHIPS
The House v. NCAA settlement fundamentally changes how college athletes can be compensated. For volleyball — historically an equivalency sport in Division II and a head-count sport in Division I — the implications are significant.
The settlement creates a revenue-sharing framework that allows schools to directly pay athletes up to approximately $20 million per year per school. This is separate from and in addition to traditional athletic scholarships.
For volleyball families navigating college recruiting, understanding these changes is essential. The athletes who prepare now — with strong recruiting profiles, clear academic records, and visibility to college coaches — will be best positioned to benefit.
NCAA Division I
High
IMPACT
BEFORE
12 full scholarships per team (head-count sport)
AFTER SETTLEMENT
Up to 12 full scholarships + additional roster support funding
D1 volleyball remains a head-count sport, but the House settlement introduces revenue-sharing provisions that could increase total athlete compensation beyond traditional scholarships.
NCAA Division II
Medium
IMPACT
BEFORE
8 equivalency scholarships per team (split across roster)
AFTER SETTLEMENT
Potential increase in equivalency limits as NCAA restructures financial aid rules
D2 programs may gain more flexibility in how they distribute scholarship dollars, potentially offering more competitive packages to attract athletes who previously only considered D1.
NCAA Division III
Low
IMPACT
BEFORE
No athletic scholarships (academic and need-based aid only)
AFTER SETTLEMENT
No direct change to athletic scholarship rules
D3 programs remain scholarship-free for athletics, but may benefit indirectly as the competitive landscape shifts and more athletes explore D3 as a viable path.
NAIA
Indirect
IMPACT
BEFORE
8 scholarships per team
AFTER SETTLEMENT
NAIA operates independently of NCAA settlement terms
NAIA programs are not directly affected by the House settlement but may adjust their own scholarship strategies in response to NCAA changes.
VOLLEYBALL SCHOLARSHIP CHANGES:
SETTLEMENT TIMELINE
KEY DATES AND MILESTONES
House v. NCAA Settlement Proposed
May 2024
The landmark antitrust settlement was proposed, fundamentally changing how NCAA athletes can be compensated. The settlement includes a $2.78 billion damages fund and creates a new revenue-sharing framework.
Settlement Approval Process
Late 2024
Federal court review and approval process for the settlement terms. Schools begin planning for the new financial landscape.
Implementation Phase
2025–2026
NCAA schools begin implementing revenue-sharing provisions. Volleyball programs adjust scholarship and compensation strategies. Recruiting timelines may shift as programs recalibrate budgets.
New Normal
2026+
The full impact of volleyball scholarship changes becomes clear. Athletes and families navigating college recruiting must understand both traditional scholarship models and new compensation structures.
WHAT VOLLEYBALL FAMILIES SHOULD DO
ACTION PLAN
RIGHT NOW
Build Your Recruiting Profile
Create a comprehensive recruiting profile that showcases your athletic achievements, academic record, and volleyball-specific metrics. College coaches are evaluating more athletes than ever.
Start Your Profile
Discover Your PACE
Trait Identity: how the athlete describes competition. Shared language. Starting point. Blocked when evidence is missing.
Discover Your PACE
Find the Right Volleyball Clubs
Your club program is your primary recruiting vehicle. Search ~3,025 volleyball clubs to find programs with strong college placement records and coaching that matches your development needs.
Find Volleyball Clubs Near You
Understand the Full Landscape
Don't limit yourself to D1. With scholarship changes across all divisions, D2, D3, and NAIA programs may offer increasingly competitive packages. Explore every option.
Read the Full Recruiting Guide
VOLLEYBALL SCHOLARSHIP CHANGES:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How does the House settlement affect volleyball recruiting?
The House settlement introduces revenue-sharing provisions that allow NCAA schools to directly compensate athletes. For volleyball, this means programs may restructure how they allocate financial resources between traditional scholarships and new revenue-sharing payments. Recruiting conversations will increasingly include discussions about total compensation packages, not just scholarship offers.
Are volleyball equivalency scholarships changing?
Volleyball equivalency scholarships — used primarily in Division II — may see adjustments as the NCAA restructures its financial aid rules in response to the settlement. D2 programs could gain more flexibility in how they distribute scholarship dollars, potentially offering more competitive packages. D1 volleyball remains a head-count sport with 12 full scholarships, though total athlete compensation may increase through revenue-sharing.
What should volleyball families do right now?
Start by understanding the current scholarship landscape for each division. Build your recruiting profile early, maintain strong academics, and stay informed about settlement implementation timelines. The athletes who will benefit most from these changes are those who are already visible to college coaches and have a clear recruiting plan in place.
Will there be more volleyball scholarships available?
The total number of traditional scholarships per team is not expected to increase dramatically. However, the total financial support available to volleyball athletes may increase through revenue-sharing provisions. This means more athletes could receive meaningful financial support, even if the formal scholarship count stays similar.
Does this affect club volleyball or only college programs?
The House settlement directly affects NCAA college programs. However, the ripple effects reach club volleyball because college recruiting is a primary driver of club participation. As college programs adjust their recruiting strategies, club programs and families should stay informed about how these changes affect the path from club to college.
THE LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING.
YOUR RECRUITING PLAN SHOULD TOO.
Volleyball scholarship changes mean new opportunities for athletes who are prepared. Start building your recruiting profile today — it's free.