Judge Delays NCAA's $2.8 Billion Settlement, Orders Roster Limit Changes

A federal judge has delayed final approval of the NCAA's proposed $2.8 billion antitrust settlement, citing concerns that new roster limits could unfairly harm current student-athletes by causing them to lose their team spots. Judge Claudia Wilken indicated she is prepared to approve the rest of the settlement, which would provide back pay to former athletes and allow athlete revenue-sharing, but only if the roster limit provisions are modified. Specifically, she has given attorneys 14 days to implement a phase-in period or grandfather in current athletes, warning that failure to do so will result in the settlement being denied. The roster limits, which would replace scholarship caps, have been widely criticized for potentially eliminating opportunities for hundreds or thousands of athletes, especially walk-ons and those with less playing time. Plaintiff attorneys expressed optimism about resolving the issue, but noted that if changes are not made, they will proceed to trial. Power conference officials, who advocated for the roster limits, have thus far declined to comment on the judge's order.