NIL glossary
What are Alston awards?
Alston awards are education-related payments a college may give athletes for academic achievement or graduation, named for the Supreme Court's June 21, 2021 decision in NCAA v. Alston.
On this page
In detail
The Court unanimously held that NCAA limits on education-related benefits violated federal antitrust law. Under the House settlement rules, academic and graduation awards of this kind do not count against a school's revenue sharing cap.
Frequently asked questions
Do Alston awards count against the revenue sharing cap?
No. The College Sports Commission lists academic or graduation awards (Alston) among benefits that do not count against the cap.
Sources
- NCAA v. Alston, 594 U.S. 69 (2021) — Supreme Court of the United States
- Revenue Sharing — College Sports Commission
This is general information, not legal advice. NIL rules differ by state, school, association and sport, and they change often. Check the official sources linked on this page and talk with your school's compliance office, your state association or a licensed attorney before you sign anything.