New York City – NCAA Faces Antitrust Lawsuit from Former College Basketball Stars

A group of former college basketball players, led by Mario Chalmers, is making headlines as they challenge the NCAA and several conferences in an antitrust lawsuit. This lawsuit centers on the use of the players’ names, images, and likenesses (NIL) in broadcasts without proper compensation. Chalmers, who is known for his time with the Kansas Jayhawks and a successful nine-year career in the NBA, is joined by 15 other former players who were part of NCAA championship teams.

The lawsuit was initially filed back in July, following a similar case brought forward by Thurl Bailey and other players from the North Carolina State basketball team that won their championship in 1983. The plaintiffs argue that the NCAA, along with conferences like the ACC, Big East, and others, have conspired illegally under antitrust law. They claim that their NIL has been used to generate revenue through videos of memorable moments that can be found on NCAA.com and various YouTube channels.

However, the NCAA and its co-defendants are fighting back. They filed a motion to dismiss the case last Friday, arguing that the claims are outdated due to a four-year statute of limitations. This means that since the players participated in games many years ago, their case may not hold up in court. The defendants also cite previous legal cases that they believe invalidate the current lawsuit, suggesting that the players were part of previous settlements which may restrict them from pursuing these claims again.

Another key point in the defense’s argument is the idea that if players were to receive payment for their appearances, it could create complicated challenges for broadcasting games. They argue that if players could demand payment, then many others involved in the game—like referees, coaches, and even fans—might also need compensation, which could lead to a scenario that is impractical for sports broadcasting.

As of now, the legal battle adds to the ongoing scrutiny the NCAA is facing regarding how it handles NIL rights. Lawsuits from other former athletes, including prominent names like Terrelle Pryor and Reggie Bush, further emphasize that this issue is far from resolved. The outcome of the Chalmers and Bailey lawsuits will be watched closely, as they may have a significant impact on the future of athlete rights within NCAA sports.