The NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament is approaching its thrilling finale, with only four teams remaining in contention for the championship title. As the season gears up for its grand conclusion on Monday, a separate yet equally significant event is poised to unfold, potentially reshaping the future of college sports.

A federal judge is slated to hold a critical final-approval hearing on April 7 regarding a multi-billion dollar settlement stemming from a lawsuit involving college athletes and the NCAA. This proposed settlement is particularly noteworthy, as it has two pivotal components. Firstly, it aims to distribute approximately $2.75 billion to athletes who competed prior to July 2021, which is the date when the NCAA first permitted athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Secondly, this settlement would establish a comprehensive framework for athlete compensation moving forward, which could have lasting implications for the collegiate sports landscape.

The NCAA has been engaged in an ongoing legal battle regarding the issue of compensating student athletes, facing numerous lawsuits that have ultimately challenged its traditional stance. A landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 favored the athletes, marking a significant turning point that allowed players to monetize their NIL rights. This decision has already ushered in transformative changes within college sports, enabling players to earn substantial amounts of money—sometimes reaching into the millions—while also granting them the freedom to transfer to different schools in pursuit of better financial opportunities.

The new agreement, referred to as the House settlement, promises to further alter the college athletics landscape by permitting schools to directly compensate players for the first time ever. Additionally, it would empower the NCAA and its premier conferences to exert greater oversight over NIL deals, ensuring that the process remains fair and regulated.

NCAA President Charlie Baker has publicly expressed his support for this settlement, asserting that the infrastructure it will create represents a significant win for student athletes. In an interview with NPR's A Martinez, Baker emphasized the importance of prioritizing the academic opportunities of student athletes, stating, "Most of the entities that are involved in the NIL, their primary interest is athletics. They don't really care very much about academics. Ninety-nine percent of those student athletes are not going to play professionally, and it's going to be really important that their academic opportunities are pursued. I think putting the infrastructure in place that's associated with the settlement is a big win for student athletes."

During their conversation, Baker and Martinez delved into the NCAA's ongoing efforts to support student athletes and discussed the complexities often overlooked in the broader dialogue. When asked about the NCAA's recent history of losing lawsuits aimed at regulating athlete compensation, Baker acknowledged that most of these events transpired before his tenure began, thus limiting his insights into those particular cases.

The dialogue then shifted to whether the NCAA remains in control of college athletics today. Baker's response suggested a nuanced view, indicating that the perception of control is subjective and may vary based on how individuals define it. He noted that the current conversations surrounding NIL are just a fraction of the overall college sports narrative.

As the interview progressed, Martinez inquired about how the NCAA's image has evolved in recent years, particularly among college sports fans. Baker provided a thoughtful response, indicating that the changes were long overdue. He highlighted the establishment of a post-eligibility health insurance program for athletes suffering from injuries sustained during their participation and the introduction of core guarantees for scholarships. These initiatives ensure that student athletes retain their scholarships regardless of their athletic performance. Baker believes these developments are crucial for shaping the next generation of college sports.

Despite the apparent progress, Martinez questioned why such common-sense decisions took so long to materialize, especially in light of the NCAA's historically stringent stance on student athletes. Baker maintained that he was not in a position to comment on decisions made prior to his arrival but reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the needs of student athletes since taking office.

As the conversation drew to a close, Martinez posed a pivotal question regarding whether it remains valid to call these athletes "student athletes." Baker underscored the invaluable lessons learned through sports, such as teamwork and selflessness, emphasizing the need for proactive support and advocacy for student athletes. He concluded by reiterating the importance of recognizing the holistic development of these individuals, both academically and athletically.

The upcoming hearing on the settlement represents a watershed moment for college athletics, poised to redefine the relationships between institutions, athletes, and the financial landscape of college sports.