On April 23, 2025, Judge Claudia Wilken of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a major decision in House v. NCAA and related cases under the In re College Athlete NIL Litigation umbrella. The Court tentatively approved parts of the NCAA’s sweeping $2.7 billion proposed settlement—but refused final approval over…
As UConn wrapped up its championship run, in a federal courtroom in the Northern District of California, Judge Claudia Wilken signaled she’s likely to approve the House v. NCAA settlement, a landmark $2.8 billion agreement that allows schools to directly pay student-athletes for the first time ever. This is not just about NIL anymore. It’s…
The NCAA and the states of Tennessee and Virginia have reached a settlement that effectively dismantles the NCAA’s prohibition on using name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals in recruiting. This decision, announced on January 31, has major implications for universities, businesses, and student-athletes navigating the evolving college sports landscape. How Did We Get Here❓ The…
The U.S. Department of Education says that Title IX does not apply to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments. This reverses Biden-era guidance that equired schools to distribute direct NIL payments equitably between male and female athletes. This decision means that schools can allocate NIL payments without considering gender equity. Practically, this means that most…
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a ruling that Title IX does not provide an implied private right of action for sex discrimination in employment. This decision deepens an existing circuit split. What is Title IX? Title IX is a federal civil rights law enacted in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments. It…
The recent withdrawal of two high-profile cases—the Dartmouth men’s basketball players’ petition and the National College Players Association (NCPA) unfair labor practice charge regarding USC athletes—might appear to be setbacks in the movement to recognize college athletes as employees. However, these decisions are more about strategic maneuvering in the face of shifting political landscapes than…
The union representing the Dartmouth College men’s basketball team, SEIU Local 560, has withdrawn its petition for unionization with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The timing of the withdrawal is closely tied to the recent presidential election, which significantly impacts the leadership and priorities of the NLRB. 🤦🏻♂️ Why Now? The Election’s Influence The…
U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr. granted an injunction preventing the NCAA from ruling Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia ineligible for next season. The case centers on NCAA bylaws that regulate athlete eligibility and how those rules interact with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. Judge Campbell didn’t hold back, calling out the NCAA for…
The proposed $2.8 billion settlement in House v. NCAA has reached a crucial stage with federal Judge Claudia Wilken granting preliminary approval on October 7. The settlement dramatically changes the landscape of college sports. It allows schools to make direct payments to student-athletes for the first time, replacing the traditional NCAA amateurism model. A final…
The NCAA’s proposed multibillion-dollar antitrust settlement aimed at resolving the 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳, and 𝘏𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘥 antitrust litigations encountered a major setback. 🚨 During a recent hearing, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken expressed serious concerns about core aspects of the settlement, particularly its potential impact on athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Judge Wilken hinted that…