Pay-to-play just took a step towards a possible reality.

The Division I Board of Directors of the NCAA passed legislation Thursday that would allow colleges that have student-athletes receiving a full athletic scholarship to have “the opportunity to receive additional athletics aid up to the full cost of attendance or $2,000, whichever is less.”

Pennsylvania State University President Graham Spanier ran the group created to analyze well-being of student-athletes.

“We understand the situation of our student-athletes. This isn’t about paying student-athletes, but it is about being fair and recognizing that in Division I it ought to be important to meet this need,” Spanier said in a statement. “We all have lots of different choices to make, but we felt that these proposals are right for our student-athletes.”

What this means for the future of Oakland University athletics, and other mid-majors is unknown at the moment.

The Oakland Post will continue reporting on this story as more information becomes available.