December 17, 2020
Supreme Court will Hear Landmark Antitrust Case Against NCAA
The Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal filed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit holding that NCAA limits on player compensation violate antitrust laws.
Donald Remy, the NCAA’s chief legal officer, said he is pleased the court agreed to hear the NCAA’s appeal. In challenging the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, the NCAA seeks to address what it calls never-ending litigation in reaction to changes the association has made to improve the student-athlete experience.
Earlier this year, the Ninth Circuit ruled that the NCAA must allow educational benefits as well as cash awards for student athletes. The appellate court upheld a district court’s decision that allowed colleges and universities to offer education-related benefits such as graduate school scholarships, study abroad opportunities, or computers for educational use to Division I basketball players and Football Bowl Subdivision football players.
The case will likely be heard by the justices in the spring, and a decision is expected by the end of June.
Donald Remy, the NCAA’s chief legal officer, said he is pleased the court agreed to hear the NCAA’s appeal. In challenging the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, the NCAA seeks to address what it calls never-ending litigation in reaction to changes the association has made to improve the student-athlete experience.
Earlier this year, the Ninth Circuit ruled that the NCAA must allow educational benefits as well as cash awards for student athletes. The appellate court upheld a district court’s decision that allowed colleges and universities to offer education-related benefits such as graduate school scholarships, study abroad opportunities, or computers for educational use to Division I basketball players and Football Bowl Subdivision football players.
The case will likely be heard by the justices in the spring, and a decision is expected by the end of June.