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.
