A group of former University of Michigan football players filed a proposed class action lawsuit on Tuesday, seeking more than $50 million in damages. The lawsuit accuses the NCAA and Big Ten Network of unlawfully profiting from athletes' names, images, and likenesses (NIL) over decades without compensation.

NCAA $50M NIL Suit : Allegations of Exploitation

The suit, filed in Michigan federal court, represents all former Michigan football players whose NILs were used for commercial gain before June 15, 2016. Named plaintiffs include former Michigan stars Denard Robinson, Braylon Edwards, Michael Martin, and Shawn Crable.

The complaint alleges that the NCAA engaged in a scheme with conferences, colleges, and commercial entities to exploit athletes' NILs without compensation. “The NCAA has conspired... to fix the price of student-athlete labor near zero,” the lawsuit claims. It asserts that players were made "unwitting and uncompensated lifetime pitchmen" for the NCAA.

NCAA $50M NIL Suit : Legal Claims

The suit centers on claims of unreasonable restraint of trade, conspiracy to restrict trade, and unjust enrichment. It accuses the NCAA and Big Ten of capitalizing on college football players' "memorable plays and pivotal moments" in broadcasts, promotions, and merchandise sales.

While current student-athletes are allowed to profit from their NILs, the lawsuit highlights that former players were wrongfully denied similar opportunities. "The NCAA knew it was wrong but still continued to profit," the complaint states.

Impact on All Players, Not Just Stars

The plaintiffs argue that even lesser-known athletes could have capitalized on their NILs during their college careers. "Irrespective of national fame, most of these players would have... earned money on their name and image in the small window that was their college football career," the complaint adds.

Seeking Class Certification and Injunction

The lawsuit requests a permanent injunction to prevent the NCAA and Big Ten from continuing to use student-athletes' NILs without proper compensation. It also seeks the certification of two classes: one nationwide class for antitrust claims and another for unjust enrichment claims. The total damages are estimated at over $50 million, with ongoing increases.

NCAA $50M NIL Suit : NCAA’s Growing Legal Challenges

This lawsuit adds to the growing legal battles the NCAA faces over NIL compensation. Just last week, a California judge declined to preliminarily approve a $2.78 billion antitrust settlement concerning the NCAA’s NIL rules, citing issues with the deal's terms. Additionally, North Carolina State University’s 1983 championship basketball team filed a similar suit over the summer, accusing the NCAA of profiting from their NILs.

James R. Acho of Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC represents the proposed class in this case. The NCAA declined to comment, and Big Ten representatives did not respond to inquiries.