Revenue Distribution

Revenue distribution is money the NCAA pays out to conferences and member schools, from the men’s basketball tournament media contract, championship revenue and various funds. It is entirely separate from revenue sharing, which is money schools pay to athletes, and the two are routinely confused.

Q. How is it different from revenue sharing?

Revenue distribution flows NCAA to schools. Revenue sharing flows schools to athletes. Different money, different direction, different rules.

Q. Where does the money come from?

Predominantly the men’s basketball tournament media rights agreement, which funds the large majority of NCAA revenue, supplemented by championship ticket revenue and other sources.

Q. How is it allocated?

Through defined funds, basketball performance, academic enhancement, sport sponsorship, grants-in-aid and student assistance among them, each with its own formula.

Q. Did the House settlement affect it?

Yes. Back damages are funded substantially through reductions in distributions to member schools, so schools that were not defendants still see reduced payments.