Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has announced a significant development in the ongoing efforts to reform college athletics. A bipartisan coalition of states, led by Skrmetti, has reached a final settlement with the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), pending court approval. This agreement aims to end the NCAA's ban on student-athletes receiving compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
"We fought hard to protect the rights of Tennessee’s student-athletes and this settlement locks in the victory for them," stated Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. "With a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry rising from the foundation of college sports, the kids who make it all happen should not be the only people denied an opportunity to prosper."
The settlement outlines several key provisions that will transform college athletics if approved. These include empowering student-athletes during recruitment by allowing them to negotiate NIL compensation freely and removing restrictions on third-party negotiations during recruiting windows. Schools will also be enabled to provide support regarding NIL opportunities.
Additionally, long-term protections are established through prohibiting any undermining or circumvention of these provisions by the NCAA. The association is required to publicize any proposed changes related to NIL over the next five years and consult with states before implementing such changes.
In 2024, Attorney Generals from Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, New York, and Washington D.C., including Jason Miyares from Virginia alongside Skrmetti, filed a federal lawsuit against the NCAA challenging its NIL Recruiting Ban as anti-competitive under federal antitrust law. A federal judge supported these allegations and temporarily blocked enforcement of these rules.
The parties reached a preliminary settlement on January 31, 2025. Now awaiting court approval, this final settlement represents what Skrmetti describes as "a decisive victory in the continued effort to protect the freedom of student-athletes and stabilize college athletics."