Dear Poke Nation,

On June 6, a federal judge gave final approval to the House v. NCAA settlement, a landmark $2.8 billion decision that will forever change the landscape of college athletics. 

This historic ruling paves the way for schools to directly support student-athletes through revenue sharing and expanded benefits, moving beyond outdated amateurism rules and toward a more modern, sustainable model.

At McNeese, we've been preparing for this moment. Over the past year, we've worked with top industry experts to develop a forward-thinking strategy that ensures we're not just adapting, we're leading. That's why McNeese is opting into the settlement and bringing our Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) operations in-house.

This move gives us the structure, transparency, and control to support our student-athletes more effectively than ever before. It means:

• Student-athletes receive consistent, meaningful support.
• Donors can give with confidence, knowing their contributions are impactful and tax-deductible.
• Our staff operates within a unified, strategic framework built for long-term success.

This is more than a compliance decision, it's a commitment to excellence. We're building a model that's clear, accountable, and built to thrive in the new era of college sports.

As we move into this first year under the new model, we'll maintain our current scholarship levels across all sports. At the same time, we'll continue to evaluate our financial position and monitor national trends to ensure we're making the wisest, most strategic decisions for the future of McNeese Athletics. Through it all, our focus remains the same: keeping McNeese regionally dominant and nationally relevant.

Now, we need Poke Nation to rally with us.

Your tax-deductible gifts to our in-house NIL program will directly support our efforts to compensate student-athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness — and to keep us competitive among our peers and nationally relevant. If you're ready to support our student-athletes and be part of this exciting new chapter, we encourage you to connect with either myself, Heath Schroyer, or Assistant AD for NIL, KeiferAckley, to learn more about how you can get involved and make a lasting impact. 

Your belief in our mission and your investment in our future are what set us apart. Whether it's through giving, showing up on game day, or simply spreading the word, your support fuels our momentum. Together, we'll keep building something special for Southwest Louisiana and all of Poke Nation.

Geaux Pokes!

Heath Schroyer
VP/Director of Athletics, McNeese State University