NCAA $2.576 Billion College Athlete Compensation Settlement

If you are a current or former student-athlete who competed in Division I sports, you may be eligible to claim an award from a class action settlement.

The NCAA and its five major conferences have agreed to pay $2,576,000,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged antitrust violations related to the compensation of college athletes.

The settlement resolves the three outstanding class action lawsuits: _House v. NCAA, Carter v. NCAA, and Hubbard v. NCAA. _

Which NCAA Athletes are Eligible to Claim an Award?

To be eligible for an award, you must be a student-athlete who competed on a Division I athletic team at any time between June 15, 2016, and September 15, 2024. The settlement includes several classes of athletes:

• Football and Men’s Basketball Class: All student-athletes who received or will receive full GIA scholarships and competed on a Division I men’s basketball team or an FBS football team at a college or university that is a member of one of the Power Five Conferences (including Notre Dame) and who have been or will be declared initially eligible for competition in Division I at any time from June 15, 2016, through September 15, 2024.
• Women’s Basketball Class: All student-athletes who received or will receive full GIA scholarships and competed on a Division I women’s basketball team at a college or university that is a member of one of the Power Five Conferences (including Notre Dame) and who have been or will be declared initially eligible for competition in Division I at any time from June 15, 2016, through September 15, 2024.
• Additional Sports Class: Excluding members of the Football and Men’s Basketball Class and members of the Women’s Basketball Class, all student-athletes who competed on a Division I athletic team and who have been or will be declared initially eligible for competition in Division I at any time from June 15, 2016, through September 15, 2024.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement provides substantial monetary benefits to class members. The awards are divided into different categories based on the type of claimed damages:

• BNIL (Broadcast Name, Image, and Likeness) Damages: Football and Men’s Basketball Class members can expect an average of approximately $91,000, with a range from $15,000 to $280,000. Women’s Basketball Class members can expect an average of approximately $23,000, with a range from $3,000 to $52,000.
• Videogame NIL Damages: Football and Men’s Basketball Class members can expect a range from approximately $300 to $4,000 per athlete. Additional Sports Class members who played football or men’s basketball can also claim these damages.
• Lost Opportunities NIL Damages: Football and Men’s Basketball Class members can expect an average of approximately $17,000, with a range from less than $1 to approximately $800,000. Women’s Basketball Class members can expect an average of approximately $8,500, with a range from less than $1 to $300,000. Additional Sports Class members can expect an average of approximately $5,300, with a range from less than $1 to $1,859,000.
• Additional Compensation Damages: Football and Men’s Basketball Class members can expect an average of approximately $40,000. Women’s Basketball Class members can expect an average of approximately $14,000. Additional Sports Class members can expect an average of approximately $80, with specific amounts varying based on the sport and school.

Will Proof be Required to Claim an Award?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Claimants need to provide documentation to verify their eligibility as class members.

The specific proof required includes:

• BNIL and Videogame NIL Damages: No claim required for Football and Men’s Basketball Class and Women’s Basketball Class members.
• Lost Opportunities NIL Damages: Claim required for members whose schools did not submit NIL deal data during litigation.
• Additional Compensation Damages: Claim required for Additional Sports Class members.

How is the Settlement Fund Distributed?

The settlement fund of $2,576,000,000 will cover various categories of damages and expenses, including:

• BNIL Damages: $1,815,000,000
• Videogame NIL Damages: $71,500,000
• Lost Opportunities NIL Damages: $89,500,000
• Additional Compensation Damages: $600,000,000
• Attorneys’ Fees and Costs: Up to 20% of the NIL Settlement Fund and 10% of the Additional Compensation Settlement Fund

When is the NCAA Settlement Payout?

The awards will be paid after the final approval of the settlement and the completion of the claims process.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action settlement was reached to resolve allegations that the NCAA and its five major conferences violated antitrust laws by restricting the compensation that college athletes could receive for their names, images, and likenesses, as well as for their athletic performances.

What Happens Next?

Next, the court will review the settlement for final approval. If approved, the claims process will begin, and eligible class members will be able to submit their claims for compensation.