Judge Sets 14-Day Deadline for House-NCAA Settlement on Roster Limits

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken has threatened to reject the landmark House v. NCAA antitrust settlement unless the NCAA and Power Five conferences modify their agreement to 'grandfather in' current athletes, ensuring they are not displaced by new roster limits. The proposed settlement, which would cap football rosters at 105 players and impose limits on other sports, has drawn significant objections over concerns it could force existing athletes off teams. Wilken stressed that the immediate implementation of roster limits before court approval is unjustifiable, and any disruption is the responsibility of the NCAA and member schools. She has given the parties 14 days to consult with a mediator and present a revised settlement that addresses these concerns, or risk having the entire settlement denied. The decision follows mounting criticism from athletes and stakeholders who fear the new roster caps could negatively impact non-scholarship players and those currently on teams. Wilken’s stance underscores the importance of protecting current athletes' positions as college sports governance undergoes major changes.