Recent guidance from the Department of Education clarifies that Title IX applies to athlete compensation, stating that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments must be proportionate for male and female athletes. This new ruling disrupts plans for schools looking to pay NIL money directly to student-athletes, complicating NCAA revenue-sharing models. The implications of this guidance could be significant, especially for programs like Clemson, as it requires compliance with Title IX standards. While the department emphasizes the potential financial boon for female athletes, the lasting impact of this memo remains uncertain.