NCAA Lawsuit Settlement Under Judge Review
The NCAA’s $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement is currently awaiting the decision of a federal judge. This week, attorneys from all parties submitted briefs, with the final one due on Friday, focusing on proposed adjustments to a roster limit plan that remains the final hurdle before the settlement can receive approval.
Judge’s Warning to the NCAA
U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken had previously cautioned the NCAA and major college conferences that without measures to protect current athletes from being cut due to roster limits, she would reject the settlement intended to resolve a trio of antitrust lawsuits.
Settlement Details
Wilken issued her notice after listening to objections against the House v. NCAA settlement, which includes a revenue-sharing system permitting schools to start directly compensating athletes in the fall.
Proposed Revisions and Grandfathering
Proposed modifications from last week would permit college athletic departments to exceed the proposed roster limits by allowing voluntary “grandfathering” for athletes previously assured a spot on the roster. This includes incoming freshmen for the 2025-26 academic year who had an offer revoked due to the settlement preparations.
Objectors’ Concerns
Several objectors submitted filings earlier this week, claiming that the proposed solution doesn’t go far enough. They argued that athletes who risk being cut due to roster limits should be guaranteed spots either at their current institution or elsewhere.
Defendants’ Response
Settlement attorneys for the NCAA and the power conferences submitted a final response on Friday, asserting that the latest revisions encompass the court’s concerns and should merit immediate approval. They emphasized that there are no legal blocks to this landmark settlement.
Potential Impact of Approval
Judge Wilken has yet to signal when she will make her final ruling. If the revisions do not meet her expectations, she could request further changes. The stakes are high; a breakdown at this stage could severely impact the NCAA and college sports, which have been operating under the assumption of settling for months. If approved, institutions that participate could commence direct payments to athletes starting July 1.
