On behalf of Saluja Law, we are closely following the ongoing legal battle that could forever reshape the economics of college athletics—and once again, the courts are stepping in to demand fairness for student-athletes.
On April 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken issued a landmark decision refusing to approve the NCAA's proposed $2.8 billion antitrust settlement in its current form. The reason? The immediate implementation of new roster limits, which could cost thousands of athletes—especially walk-ons—their spots on college teams.
The proposed settlement, stemming from three consolidated lawsuits, would allow Division I schools to pay athletes directly for use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), while also compensating current and former athletes for past restrictions. However, the catch lies in the fine print: to fund these new payments, the NCAA planned to eliminate longstanding scholarship limits and replace them with new, sport-by-sport roster caps.
Judge Wilken, who has presided over many of the most pivotal NCAA cases in recent years, found that this trade-off was unacceptable. While she supported most aspects of the settlement—especially the long-overdue athlete compensation structure—she ruled that the immediate enforcement of roster limits would unfairly harm a significant number of student-athletes and recruits.
In her opinion, Judge Wilken emphasized that class-action settlements must treat all class members equitably. The deal, as currently structured, would lead to many athletes losing roster spots they already earned or were promised. In fact, some athletes testified they had already been informed they would be cut due to the upcoming changes.
She gave the NCAA and the Power Five conferences an opportunity to revise the agreement, suggesting a phased-in or “grandfathered” approach to the new roster rules. However, the revised settlement submitted on April 14 failed to address this key concern. The NCAA argued that reversing course would cause “significant disruption,” as schools had already begun adjusting their future plans in anticipation of the roster changes.
Judge Wilken didn't accept that argument, calling any disruption a problem “of the Defendants' and NCAA members schools' own making.” She made clear that preliminary approval should not have been interpreted as a rubber stamp for final approval—especially when athletes' livelihoods are on the line.
Citing precedent from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, she reaffirmed that class member feedback is a critical part of the settlement process. And in this case, athletes and families made their voices heard—through written objections, emotional courtroom statements, and a demand for fairness that Judge Wilken refused to ignore.
Despite this setback, the rest of the settlement remains on track. Judge Wilken indicated she is prepared to approve the rest of the agreement once the roster issue is resolved. The parties have now been ordered to consult with a mediator within 14 days to try to reach a solution.
At Saluja Law, we believe this moment represents more than just a legal technicality—it reflects the growing recognition that athletes are not just entertainment commodities but individuals whose rights and futures deserve protection. This case is a critical reminder that meaningful reform in college sports must be inclusive, transparent, and equitable from day one.
We'll continue to monitor this case as it develops—and advocate for athlete rights in the courts and beyond.
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