Former College Athletes Join Class-Action Lawsuit Against NCAA Over Image Rights

Strategic Insights -

Former college athletes from various eras have joined a class-action lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Collegiate Licensing over the revenue generated from selling their images and likenesses in video content and other memorabilia. The lawsuit, which initially included former UCLA star Ed O'Bannon and former Arizona State and Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller, has now expanded to include players from the 1966 Texas Western team, which made history by starting an all-black lineup in the NCAA title game. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified percentage of the sales of DVD and one-time viewing sales of NCAA tournament games, similar to royalties received by professional athletes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit alleges that the NCAA's practice of selling players' images and likenesses without their consent is an antitrust violation.
  • The plaintiffs seek an unspecified percentage of the revenue generated from the sale of DVD and one-time viewing sales of NCAA tournament games.
  • The lawsuit has expanded to include players from the 1966 Texas Western team, the 1979 Indiana State team, and the 1990s Michigan team, among others.
  • Former Michigan player Eric Riley testified that he received about $50,000 to $60,000 per season in royalties when he played in the NBA, and that the NCAA's failure to pay players is a result of a systemic issue.
  • The case could have significant ramifications for the NCAA and college sports, potentially limiting the organization's ability to sell players' images and likenesses without their consent.
  • The lawsuit seeks to establish players' rights to their images and likenesses, particularly in the digital age where games and images can be easily digitized and sold.

Statistics:

  • The lawsuit seeks an unspecified percentage of the revenue generated from the sale of DVD and one-time viewing sales of NCAA tournament games.
  • The 1966 title game between Texas Western and Kentucky generated significant revenue for the NCAA through sales of DVD and one-time viewing sales.
  • The plaintiffs are seeking royalties similar to those received by professional athletes, which can range from 2% to 5% of gross revenue.

Sources:

  • USA Today: "Former college athletes add to lawsuit against NCAA over image rights" (exact reference)
  • Court papers: Amended complaint filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco
  • Interview with Jon King, lead attorney for the players
  • Interview with Eric Riley, former Michigan player
  • Interview with Richard Southall, director of the College Sport Research Institute at the University of North Carolina