CHN Staff Report
Clarkson will become the first Division III school playing D-I ECAC hockey to announce plans to opt-in to the NCAA’s revenue sharing model, beginning in 2026-27.
The decision allows Clarkson to pay up to $20.5 million in revenue share money to players in its two D-I sports, men’s and women’s hockey. Though realistically Clarkson won’t allocate that much, it gives the option to keep up with other programs around the country that are paying players directly in some way or another.
“College athletics is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history,” Clarkson president Michelle Larson said. “Our decision to signal an intent to opt into revenue sharing reflects a commitment to positioning Clarkson for long-term success while remaining true to our values. We are focused on creating sustainable opportunities that enhance the student-athlete experience without compromising the integrity of our academic mission.”
Quinnipiac is the only other ECAC school currently opted-in. The six Ivy League schools are prohibited by Ivy rules from doing so. Union, St. Lawrence and RPI are the other D-III schools playing D-I hockey in the ECAC.
Colgate, a Patriot League team in other sports, is also not opted-in. Fellow Patriot League member Boston University also recently announced its plan to opt in. Though typically competing for more blue chip recruits than Clarkson is, the rationale is the same — to keep up with the competition.
Along with opting-in, Clarkson will have to reduce its roster size to 26, which was part of the “House settlement” that led to the new NCAA revenue model.
Players at schools that haven’t opted in can still receive payments via third-party NIL deals. But by opening itself up to revenue sharing, schools create more avenues to both raise funds and distribute them to players.
“Opting into the House settlement gives us flexibility, not obligation,” Clarkson athletic director Laurel Kane said. “This model allows us to pursue revenue-sharing opportunities strategically, as new resources become available, while continuing to invest in the overall student-athlete experience. Just as importantly, it signals clearly to recruits, current players and the broader hockey community that Clarkson is committed to competing at the highest level.”
Clarkson has a long history in college hockey, which includes numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, especially during a dominant period in the 1990s. Most recently it was in the NCAAs in 2018 and 2019. Its women’s program has won multiple national championships. But like many smaller schools, keeping up is more difficult in the changing landscape.
Expect the other D-III schools in the ECAC to at least discuss following Clarkson’s lead in the coming months.
Clarkson added in a statement: “By announcing its intent now, Clarkson aims to stay ahead of peer institutions that may delay similar decisions, reinforcing its commitment to leadership within the ECAC and across Division I hockey. The 2027–28 implementation timeline has been carefully selected to allow for a thoughtful transition, particularly in managing roster adjustments without disrupting current and incoming student-athletes.”