The NCAA is on the verge of rewriting its own rulebook—quite literally. On Monday, the Division I Board of Directors proposed nixing 153 long-standing regulations from its hefty handbook, a bold signal that further cements the shifting tides of amateurism. Chief among the sweeping changes? A proposal to allow schools to directly pay athletes—not just through third-party NIL deals, but with actual institutional dollars.

Indeed, for over a century, the NCAA’s model of amateur athletics has revolved around scholarships and strictly regulated benefits. Now, pending approval of the House v. NCAA settlement, we’re talking straight-up payments from schools to players—as early as this fall. Schools have until June 15 to decide if they’ll opt in, with new systems expected to be in place by July 1 if the settlement is approved.

Let’s be clear: this is not a free-for-all. The NCAA still wants to keep a foot in the "college, not pro" camp. Student-athletes must remain full-time students, make degree progress, and cash in within their five-year eligibility window. There will be third-party platforms for schools to log payments, track NIL deals, and make sure nobody’s handing out Lamborghini-level paychecks for bench-level production.

Also part of the overhaul, and perhaps, more intriguing? A push for equity. The new rules propose sport-specific roster caps and full scholarships for all players on a declared roster—a move that could double the number of scholarships in women’s sports.

Meanwhile, while the NCAA scribbles out century-old bylaws in a boardroom, the real action is happening in the portal—the ever-chaotic, always-entertaining college basketball transfer portal. Today, April 22, marks its official closing, and it’s once again bursting at the digital seams.

For the fourth consecutive year, the basketball transfer portal has hit a record number: nearly 2,300 men's players have entered. Women’s hoops hasn’t been far behind, with 1,500 players testing the waters. That’s nearly 4,000 athletes making moves, flipping programs like pancakes.

Some are searching for better fits. Others, bigger roles. And some, perhaps, a taste of those impending paychecks. Because let’s be honest—as schools begin to offer direct compensation, the portal may evolve into the most lucrative game of musical chairs in sports.

Still, amid the frenzy, there's a sense of opportunity. College sports are growing up, and the NCAA is learning how to play ball in an era where athletes know their worth.

If approved, these changes will reshape balance sheets and redefine power. And maybe, at long last, tip the scales toward the people who’ve always filled the seats, sold the jerseys, and kept the highlight reels spinning: the players.