Tennessee and Virginia have expanded their legal challenge against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) by welcoming Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia to their coalition. The lawsuit accuses the NCAA of violating federal antitrust laws through restrictions that limit student-athletes' ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti expressed his support for the growing coalition: “We’re glad to keep fighting to protect student-athletes from illegal NCAA rules. I welcome the addition of our bipartisan partners to the case.” He emphasized that the ultimate aim is for student-athletes to compete under fair regulations without legal hindrances.
The lawsuit was initially filed in January by Tennessee and Virginia. It argues that NCAA's enforcement of NIL-related rules breaches antitrust laws, particularly at a crucial stage in athlete recruitment. According to the complaint, these restrictions contravene the Sherman Act and negatively impact both states and their student-athletes' welfare. In February, a preliminary injunction was granted by the Eastern District Court of Tennessee.
With new members joining from Florida, New York, and Washington D.C., the coalition intends to pursue litigation vigorously to prevent what they describe as an NCAA monopoly from harming athletes in Tennessee.
The amended complaint is available for public viewing.