🏅How to save a wrestling program

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Hey there,

We’ve got three big stories for y’all today – first, the Education Department is teaming up with the DOJ to crack down on Title IX investigations in college sports. Then we’re talking about how Ohio’s state senate is trying to use taxpayer money to save Cleveland State’s wrestling program. Lastly, a March Madness legend is suing the NCAA for restricting his NIL earning capacities. We’ve got it all coming up right now – let’s go!

We have a new special advertiser today Dealmaker Sports, check out how they are going to change the game when it comes to fandom-fueled fundraising.

— Cole and Collin

The Big 3

Title IX Crackdowns are Coming

In response to a “staggering volume of Title IX complaints,” the Justice Department is linking up with the Department of Education to form a team specifically dedicated to investigating Title IX violations. The task force will include investigators and lawyers from both offices. 

“From day one, the Trump Administration has prioritized enforcing Title IX to protect female students and athletes,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon of the change, “Traditionally, our Office for Civil Rights takes months, even years, to complete Title IX investigations… Title IX SIT will ensure even more rapid and consistent investigations.”

It may seem a bit odd to hear the Trump administration, which has gutted the Education Department’s budget, expand their powers. However, McMahon has stated that the initiative will focus primarily on issues surrounding transgender athletes – a key point in Trump’s social policy agenda. (More)

Ohio Senate Wants to Save CSU’s Wrestling Program

In the state’s legislature, Ohio lawmakers just put forward a budget proposal that would give $1.6 million to support Cleveland State’s wrestling program over the next two years. The school recently announced their intention to discontinue the program amidst House v. NCAA induced budget cuts.

The $1.6 million would be split in half to support the men’s program, as well as establish and maintain a women’s wrestling program at the school. Each program will receive $400K per year for the next two years if the plan passes.

This may not sound like huge news, but it absolutely is – we’ve got lawmakers baking athletics funding into their state’s budget in very specific ways. With budgets tightening around the country, don’t be surprised if we see a push within local governance toward funding non-revenue generating sports like wrestling. (More)

Kris Jenkins is Suing the NCAA on NIL Grounds

Remember Kris Jenkins? He hit one of the most iconic shots in March Madness history back in 2016 for Villanova. Well, he’s actually suing the NCAA and six major conferences for restricting his ability to generate NIL money off of that very shot.

Of all the videos on the NCAA’s March Madness YouTube channel, that shot is the most viewed video. It sounds like that’s a big part of his legal argument – combined with the fact he couldn’t make money off of signing autographs. Jenkins seems to be angling for $400-$500K in damages.

I can hear you now: “Wait, but isn’t this what the House Settlement is for?” Well, even if it passes, Jenkins opted out of the settlement, which preserves his legal right to sue the NCAA and conferences. (More)

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The New Playbook: X’s, O’s, and $hares

The NCAA vs. House Act showdown is set — with a final ruling expected April 7th. If it goes through, schools could face a staggering $22 million hit tied to NIL-era legal and financial aftershocks.

It’s a wake-up call for universities navigating the complex, high-stakes world of NIL — but they don’t have to face it alone.

Enter DealMaker: the game-changing online capital-raising platform reshaping how collegiate athletic programs fund their future.

Forget relying on the same handful of top donors or dipping into endowment funds — that’s a last resort. DealMaker empowers schools to tap into a new era of fandom-fueled fundraising, bridging the gap between major donors and everyday supporters: students, alumni, and loyal fans alike.

The result? A stronger, more connected community of supporters who aren’t just cheering from the stands — they’re investing in their team’s future.

🏟️ Facility upgrades? Covered.
🎓 Scholarships? Funded.
🏅 Team development? Fueled.

With DealMaker, athletic programs unlock new capital streams, driving engagement, financial stability, and generational fandom — building lifelong loyalty that lasts far beyond the final whistle.

The future of collegiate sports belongs to programs that adapt. Ready to lead the charge? Learn more about how DealMaker is helping athletic departments secure their future and redefine what’s possible.

NIL BLITZ

♦️ Livvy Dunne thinks the House Settlement doesn’t properly capture the “value” she’s lost

♦️ The men’s basketball championship game scored the best ratings in six years

♦️ Are college presidents to blame for the NIL problems we’re currently dealing with?

♦️ Penn State has a plan for the pay-for-play era of NIL

♦️ The women’s national championship draws 10 million less viewers than it did last year

♦️ Arch Manning just signed an NIL deal with fashion brand Vuori

♦️ St. Bonaventure’s Adrian Wojnarowski joins Players Health’s NIL Advisory Board

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Today’s Poll Question:

Last Edition’s Poll Results:

Will Sacramento State be accepted into FBS?

• Yes, they’ve got the money to build a competitive roster - 56%

• No, they’re going to be denied - 44%