Federal Judge Questions NCAA Settlement Terms

A federal judge, Claudia Wilken, has raised concerns about the proposed $2.78 billion settlement in the antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA, questioning restrictions on payments to athletes from booster-run organizations. During a preliminary hearing, Wilken indicated that the settlement might limit some athletes' earnings, a point highlighted by NCAA lawyers who insisted that the agreement needed to prevent perceived pay-for-play schemes. The settlement is intended to allow schools to pay athletes for their names, images, and likenesses, potentially directing about $21 million annually to athletes starting next season. However, dissenting voices, including advocates for athletes and even some plaintiffs, have expressed that the deal may not provide sufficient compensation. The NCAA had agreed to settle the House v. NCAA lawsuit to end the long-standing amateur model of college sports, but further negotiations may be required to address the judge's concerns. A follow-up hearing is scheduled in three weeks for the parties to report back on these issues.