Christina Stylianou Speaks to AP About Title IX Issues in College Athlete Pay System
New York, N.Y. (June 4, 2024) – New York Associate Christina Stylianou recently spoke to the Associated Press about the upcoming revenue-sharing model for college athletes which raises significant concerns about Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funds.
In the article, Ms. Stylianou stated her belief that Title IX might not apply because “athletes would be essentially selling their media rights” via licenses, rather than receiving a benefit or opportunity that would be subject to Title IX scrutiny. However, she acknowledges that this issue will likely be “heavily litigated."
A $2.77 billion settlement in House vs. NCAA is expected to permit wealthier schools to spend approximately $20 million annually on their athletes, potentially starting next year. This situation raises questions about gender equity, especially since revenue-generating sports like football and men’s basketball might receive the majority of the funds.
Michael LeRoy, a University of Illinois labor and sports law professor, and Iliana Konidaris, a New York civil rights attorney, emphasized the clear need for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to provide guidance on how to ensure Title IX compliance if these schools are to directly pay their athletes.
Questions remain on this pivotal moment for women’s sports sparked in large part by the surge in popularity brought about by star basketball players Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others.
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