A PYMNTS Company

Athletes Behind NCAA Antitrust Settlement Push for Collective Bargaining Rights

By  |  December 11, 2024
NCAA

Three athletes whose lawsuits led to the $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement are advocating for sweeping structural reforms in college athletics. They have called for the establishment of collective bargaining rights for college athletes through an independent players’ association.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    In a December 2 letter to U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken, who is overseeing the settlement, Grant House, Sedona Prince, and Nya Harrison supported the settlement’s terms but warned of potential vulnerabilities without athlete representation in negotiations with schools and conferences. They argued that without collective bargaining, athletes remain at risk of exploitation and the industry could face continued legal battles. The athletes urged the court to “lend its imprimatur” to efforts allowing players to negotiate collectively in the future.

    Read more: Vanderbilt QB Sues NCAA Over Junior College Eligibility Rules

    The NCAA has consistently opposed treating college athletes as employees, a stance that hinders legally binding collective bargaining agreements. While Judge Wilken is unlikely to facilitate the creation of a players’ association, the athletes’ letter underscores ongoing concerns about fairness and representation in college sports.

    Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for the class action plaintiffs, told ESPN the letter is unlikely to disrupt the settlement process. The correspondence, shared by the advocacy group Athletes.org, has nevertheless drawn attention to the broader question of athletes’ rights within the collegiate system.

    Source: ABC NY