DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis will opt into the House v. NCAA settlement beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, a strategic step as the Aggies prepare for their transition into the Mountain West Conference.

The decision follows nine months of planning and evaluation by UC Davis Athletics alongside campus leadership, legal counsel, and the Chancellor's Office, which included visits with peer institutions including UCLA and Cal. The focus throughout has been clear: to develop a UC Davis-specific model that positions its student-athletes for success while remaining aligned with the university's mission.

"The decision to opt into the House settlement reflects our confidence in the future of UC Davis Athletics and our ability to compete at a high level in an evolving Division I landscape," said Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. "We are implementing revenue-sharing through a UC Davis-specific approach that prioritizes long-term sustainability, meaningful support for our student-athletes, and alignment with our academic mission. These are intentional steps to ensure we remain competitive, relevant, and true to who we are."

The House settlement introduces a new model for supporting student-athletes, including the ability to provide direct financial benefits alongside expanded Name, Image and Likeness opportunities.

In conjunction with this announcement, UC Davis Athletics is launching a comprehensive NIL program to better connect student-athletes with opportunities and to provide supporters with options to directly engage. The Champion Aggies Club will continue to serve as a primary vehicle for philanthropic support, including scholarships and NIL initiatives that directly benefit UC Davis student-athletes.

"Today's environment demands that we be both innovative and intentional in how we support our student-athletes," said Dr. Heather Hunter, Senior Associate Athletics Director and UC Davis's NIL lead. "Our NIL program, alongside the Champion Aggies Club, provides clear and meaningful pathways for our supporters to invest directly in our student-athletes' success. Together, we're creating opportunities that reflect the values of UC Davis while positioning our program for long-term success."

The Aggies will rely on continued investment from donors, fans, and partners to help build and sustain this model.

"At our core, the UC Davis difference is the strength of our academic experience and commitment to allowing student-athletes to pursue any degree path" notes DeLuca. "That foundation remains unchanged and will continue to guide the program as the landscape of college athletics evolves."