Judge Seeks Final Adjustments to $2.8 Billion NCAA Settlement

The landmark deal to reshape college sports awaits final approval, with key concerns over roster limits and equity under review.

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken has requested further clarifications on issues related to roster limits and fairness before granting final approval to the settlement.
The proposed $2.8 billion settlement would allow colleges to pay athletes directly, with a $20.5 million annual cap per school starting July 1, 2025.
Concerns raised during the final hearing include potential Title IX violations, unequal distribution of backpay, and the impact of roster limits on smaller programs and current athletes.
Judge Wilken suggested a possible 'grandfather clause' to protect current athletes from losing roster spots under the new limits.
The settlement, if approved, would end the NCAA’s amateurism model, compensating athletes for their name, image, and likeness while redistributing billions in backpay from 2016 to 2024.