Attorneys involved in the $2.8 billion NCAA lawsuit settlement filed a brief that did not incorporate suggested changes to team roster limits due to potential disruptions. The proposed settlement aims to revolutionize college sports by enabling revenue sharing with athletes and compensating former and current athletes who were restricted from earning money. U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken had recommended adjusting the roster limit rules to mitigate adverse effects on athletes set to lose their spots, but the defendants argued that implementing such changes would cause significant disruptions as numerous roster decisions have already been made.
Wilken has preliminarily approved the settlement, with a final decision expected soon, amidst objections from athletes and their lawyers. The settlement encompasses provisions for direct payment to athletes for name, image, and likeness usage, as well as allocating $2.78 billion in back pay for athletes predating NIL regulations. The contentious issue of roster limits could lead to thousands of athletes losing spots as schools adjust to higher costs, despite potential benefits such as increased scholarship availability. Addressing concerns from the judge, the attorneys clarified provisions for future Division I athletes within the settlement's 10-year term and sought to rectify glitches in the claims system.