• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 18, 2025

NCAA, Power 5 Facing Potential $1B NIL Lawsuit

  • Attorneys are seeking up to $1 billion in a case against the NCAA and Power 5 conferences.
  • The case argues for NIL-related backpay for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 season.
Iowa Hawkeyes players leave the court as LSU Lady Tigers players celebrate behind them after the game during the final round of the Women's Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The NCAA and its biggest conferences could be facing a $1 billion lawsuit.

On Tuesday, attorneys representing two former college athletes filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA and Power 5 conferences seeking retroactive educational payments for college athletes related to the 2021 Alston Supreme Court case. The two firms won the Alston case in June 2021.

Winston & Strawn LLP and Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP argued that in light of the Alston ruling — which in part allows schools to offer $5,980 per athlete as “educational benefits” — between 5,000 and 20,000 athletes are owed back payments between 2018 and 2020. The damages are therefore worth between $200 million and $1 billion.

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard, formerly of Oklahoma State, and Auburn track athlete Keira McCarrell are the named plaintiffs in the case.

Apr 3, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after walking off the court after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs in the national championship game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium.

How UConn Built a Fifth National Championship Run

The Huskies made two savvy business decisions.
April 4, 2023

“Despite all these NIL deals, the NCAA is doing great,” Winston & Strawn co-executive chairman Jeffrey L. Kessler told Sports Illustrated. “There’s been no harm for consumer interest or competitive balance. I think most people would say that the NCAA and its various sports are successful as they’ve ever been.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jason Belzer

College Sports Is ‘Too Big of an Opportunity’

Panelists at the Asset Class summit agreed college sports is the next frontier.
Cignetti

Curt Cignetti Lands Third Contract in Just 19 Games With Indiana

Cignetti signed a new contract five days after Indiana upset Oregon.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan (0) makes a catch for a first down in the first half against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Michigan Board Publicly Opposes Big Ten Investment Proposal

“The Big Ten does not need to be sold to save college sports.”

Steelers’ Shared Stadium With Pitt Comes Under Fire for Bad Turf

The conditions at Acrisure Stadium have been subpar this season.

Featured Today

May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium.

Belichick’s UNC Saga Now Includes GM Trip to Saudi Arabia

UNC GM Michael Lombardi traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Oct 14, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel.
October 15, 2025

SEC Coaches Sound Off on NIL, Revenue-Sharing: ‘Upside Down’

John Calipari doesn’t want to become “transactional.”
Tortillas
October 16, 2025

Texas Tech-Kansas Tortilla-Knife Mess Ends With $50K in Fines

Texas Tech’s tortilla tradition got both teams in trouble.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Cody Campbell
October 15, 2025

Texas Tech Booster Cody Campbell Slams Conference PE Deals

Campbell said the concept goes against “all the laws of finance.”
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) takes the ball on a kickoff return in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
October 14, 2025

USC, Michigan Officials Oppose Big Ten’s Private Capital Proposal 

Officials from both schools met virtually on Tuesday.
October 13, 2025

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Patrick Kraft
October 13, 2025

Penn State Says Adidas Had No Role in James Franklin Firing or..

Franklin is owed tens of millions of dollars.