Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has filed an antitrust lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), claiming that the organization's restrictions on student-athletes' ability to benefit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights violate federal antitrust law. Joined by the Attorney General of Tennessee, Miyares argues that these restrictions hinder the free market and unfairly limit the opportunities available to student-athletes.
"Student-athletes generate massive revenues for the NCAA, its members, and corporations within the college sports industry, especially in football and basketball," Attorney General Miyares stated. "Student athletes should have more freedom over negotiating and earning money for their skills and ability. Colleges and universities benefit dramatically from the success of their student athletes - it’s only fair that student athletes also get the full picture of how they may benefit from their choice of school as well."
This lawsuit comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that found the NCAA guilty of violating antitrust law by imposing unreasonable restraints on the compensation college athletes may receive. In response, Virginia and other states passed laws to create a thriving NIL market that would benefit student-athletes. However, the NCAA has implemented a set of rules and guidelines that impede the ability of student-athletes to receive fair compensation for their NIL.
One of the key restrictions currently in place is that prospective student-athletes are prohibited from discussing potential NIL opportunities with schools and collectives before enrolling. This limitation prevents athletes from fully exploring their options and making informed decisions about their future. The Attorney General's lawsuit aims to challenge these restrictions and ensure that student-athletes have the freedom to negotiate and earn money for their talents and abilities.
The full lawsuit can be found here.
Virginia's Attorney General Miyares is taking a stand against the NCAA's restrictions on student-athletes' NIL rights, asserting that these limitations infringe upon federal antitrust laws and hinder the free market. By filing this lawsuit alongside the Attorney General of Tennessee, Miyares aims to provide student-athletes with greater control over their ability to negotiate and benefit from their NIL rights. This legal action seeks to challenge the NCAA's rules and guidelines that impede fair compensation for student-athletes and limit their opportunities.