As the NCAA experiences major changes, like eligibility questions and payments to student athletes, the body has now settled a lawsuit involving South Dakota.

For Attorney General Marty Jackley, it represents a win for the state.

The crux of the lawsuit was payment, recognition, and financial equality for smaller NCAA-affiliated institutions. The new settlement reduces the financial burden on schools like USD and SDSU for another $2.8 billion settlement that looms in another lawsuit.

Jackley said it’s a question of equity for athletes and fairness to smaller institutions.

“I felt that the smaller schools and women athletes weren’t being properly respected and compensated for, and ultimately had to pay more than their fair share,” Jackley said. “We were scheduled for a preliminary injunction hearing, actually (Thursday). Ultimately, a resolution was reached, and I’m very appreciative as Attorney General that the NCAA was willing to pay proper recognition to, first and foremost, our student athletes.”

Jackley said the NCAA was cooperative at the negotiation table.

“In a large part, credit goes to the NCAA for willingness to see there needed to be fairer treatment to women as well as the smaller schools,” Jackley said.

Beyond that, Jackley said it’s continuing economic opportunities for South Dakota.

“It gives us better opportunity here in South Dakota to host further Summit League tournaments,” Jackley said. “So, we satisfied our goal. The city of Sioux Falls has done a tremendous job of being a host. We have the facilities, we have the fans, and this settlement furthers that.”

The Summit League tournament has been held in Sioux Falls since 2009. Jackley estimates this single event draws over $10 million to the local economy via taxes and tourism.