Monarch Nation,
Friday, June 6 was a historic day for NCAA athletics as Judge Wilken approved the final tweaks to the long running legal House settlement. For an accurate overview of how this settlement will change college athletics going forward, please read the internal communication sent by NCAA President Charlie Baker to every college athletic director.
It is no secret that over the past few years, the landscape of intercollegiate athletics has continued to rapidly shift and evolve with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), the transfer portal, conference realignment, and revenue sharing with intercollegiate athletes.
The House Settlement, the result of a five-year class action lawsuit over student-athlete compensation for endorsement and media appearances, has set the stage to address roster limits, past damages for loss of NIL opportunities, and opportunities for institutions to participate in revenue-sharing with student-athletes. This settlement will pave the way for enhanced opportunities, resources, and protections for our players, allowing them to thrive not only on the field but in their academic and personal lives as well. We are committed to embracing these changes and ensuring that our student-athletes are equipped to achieve greatness during their time at ODU and beyond, which is why, as of March 1, 2025, we agreed to opt-in to the proposed revenue-share agreement.
Supporting our student-athletes has always been at the heart of our mission at ODU and remains critical in our commitment to national success, student-athlete well-being, and NIL support. As a reminder, ODU was first in the Commonwealth to offer women student-athletes athletic scholarships. We continue our dedication in providing an exceptional collegiate experience where academics and athletics are seamlessly integrated, and where our student-athletes can capitalize on their talents and brands.
While universities are now able to pay student-athletes directly for their NIL, student-athletes will be able to continue receiving NIL compensation through third-party NIL deals. The newly established College Sports Commission will help facilitate revenue sharing in college sports to ensure that NIL deals made between student-athletes and third parties comply with the rules and are fair. The CSC is separate from the NCAA and will only handle settlement-related rules. A new platform, NIL Go, has been created to assist with third-party NIL deal reporting for deals with a total value of $600 or more. This ensures deals are being made for valid business purposes and establishes a fair market value.
Your contributions and support play a pivotal role in helping us provide them with the resources, facilities, and opportunities our student-athletes need to succeed both in their academic and athletic pursuits and help ODU Athletics remain nationally competitive. Donor support is more crucial than ever, as it allows us to offer scholarships, enhance our athletic programs, invest in cutting-edge facilities, and financially compensate our student-athletes at the highest possible level – all of which can be achieved through:
- Joining fundraising efforts through the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation (ODAF)and ODAF-sponsored events
- Contributing directly to NIL initiatives through the Pride of ODUvia donations, monthly memberships or purchasing merchandise
- Season ticket renewals (including premium seating) for football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, or all three
- Becoming a corporate partner through sponsorships that provide exposure and engagement opportunities
- Attendance at home games, which directly impacts revenues, atmosphere, recruiting, and program visibility
We set several football attendance records in 2024. We sold out three of our six home games – the most since 2017 – and our average attendance of 20,272 was the most since we began playing football in 2009. For three seasons in a row, we led the Sun Belt Conference in men’s basketball attendance, and we are among the top three in women’s basketball attendance. Construction recently began on the $24 million renovation of Bud Metheny Ballpark. In February 2026, it will reopen as the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex with 2,500 chair back seats and dozens more fan and player amenities.
Of ODU’s 423 student-athletes, more than half were on the Dean’s List (3.4 GPA or better) at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year. We had a record-high department-wide yearly semester GPA of 3.34 overall, the highest ever for ODU Athletics. ODU was ranked 4th in the country for NCAA Division I service hours for the 2024-25 academic year and donated a total of 11,046 community service hours with 100% student-athlete participation for the first time.
As an athletics program steeped in storied and celebrated traditions, Old Dominion continues to rise to every challenge, pushing boundaries and reaching new heights. Without the support of dedicated administrators, coaches, generous donors, the Norfolk community, and the leadership of President Brian O. Hemphill, the future success of ODU Athletics would not be possible. But we can’t achieve our goals without you.
Thank you for your continued support and passion for Old Dominion University Athletics. Together, we are building a legacy of success, opportunity, and excellence that reflects the heart and spirit of our Monarch community.
Dr. Camden Wood Selig
Athletic Director