As the University of New Mexico formally opts into the NCAA’s landmark House settlement, longtime NIL advocate and 505 Sports Venture Foundation founder Kurt Roth joined TEAM Talk on ESPN Radio 101.7 The TEAM Monday afternoon to help unpack what the decision means for the future of Lobo athletics.
Roth, whose collective—505SVF—has been the backbone of NIL support for UNM student-athletes over the past three years, called the move “a reality” and “a necessity” for any program hoping to stay competitive.
“It’s a settlement, not necessarily a court decision,” Roth told hosts Joe O’Neill and Adam Diehl. “Basically what it means now is, up to a cap of over $20 million, schools are allowed to pay student-athletes for their name, image and likeness. It shifts the burden from private collectives to the universities.”
The University of New Mexico was not a party to the lawsuit but has voluntarily opted into the settlement framework, as confirmed in an official message from Athletic Director Fernando Lovo released Monday. Lovo said the move will allow UNM “to remain competitive in an ever-evolving environment,” and thanked Roth and 505 Sports for helping to lay the foundation.
“Our focus is on a plan that is sustainable, competitive, and aligned with our peers in the Mountain West and the programs we recruit against — one that positions Lobo Athletics for long-term success,” Lovo wrote.
Though the settlement allows schools to distribute up to $20.5 million annually to student-athletes, Roth said UNM will likely operate well below that cap. “Until UNM can generate enough revenue… the need for the collective remains in place,” he explained.
That means 505 Sports isn’t going anywhere. Roth emphasized that his group will continue to support Lobo athletes through donor events, community appearances, and grassroots fundraising. “We’ll keep doing our meet-and-greets, small business events, even our cigar smoker fundraisers,” Roth said. “We’ve always believed in reaching that base level of Lobo supporters, $10 at a time.”
Asked whether he viewed the House settlement as beneficial or problematic, Roth struck a pragmatic tone. “I don’t see it as a benefit or a negative. I see it as it is,” he said. “It’s just the game now. If you want to compete at a high level, you’ve got to have these student-athletes, and money is a big part of that.”
He also cautioned that the dust is far from settled.
“There’s going to be challenges,” Roth said. “Title IX, Olympic sports, lawsuits — you name it. I was half expecting to see a suit filed before the weekend was over.”
Roth’s insights came as the Albuquerque Journal published its own report quoting Lovo’s Friday night message to a reporter — “Good news. We are ready to roll!” — and detailing how the settlement could reshape athletic departments at both UNM and New Mexico State. A longtime Albuquerque businessman, attorney, and philanthropist, Roth founded the 505 Sports Venture Foundation in 2022 to help Lobo student-athletes capitalize on NIL opportunities. His early leadership in the space has been widely credited with giving UNM a head start in the evolving college athletics landscape.
For fans wondering whether this changes how they can support Lobo athletes, Roth had a clear answer: visit 505sports.org. “If you have a charity event or want to connect with UNM Athletics, we can bring the kids to your event. Make it good for everyone,” he said.
Editor’s note: This article includes excerpts from TEAM Talk with Joe O’Neill and Adam Diehl, aired June 9, 2025, on ESPN Radio 101.7 The TEAM. Full transcript provided by the 505 Sports Venture Foundation.
