Oakland, Calif. – A significant legal battle is unfolding in the world of NCAA athletics. Eight female athletes have filed an appeal against a recent $2.8 billion settlement that was approved by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken. This settlement is intended to change how college athletes are compensated for using their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. The appeal was submitted on April 7, 2025, and it focuses on ensuring female athletes receive their fair share of the financial benefits resulting from this major shift.
The athletes involved in the appeal include players from various sports, such as soccer, volleyball, and track. Notable names include Lexi Drumm from College of Charleston, Kacie Breeding from Vanderbilt, and Kate Johnson from Virginia, among others. They argue that the settlement does not adequately address Title IX issues, which prohibit sex-based discrimination in education, particularly in sports.
Ashlyn Hare, an attorney representing the women, stated that the settlement could lead to a huge loss for female athletes, claiming they might miss out on approximately $1.1 billion because of flaws in how damages were calculated. Hare emphasized that while they support a fair settlement, this particular one seems to violate critical federal laws.
The law firm behind the settlement has defended it, stating that the appeal could delay payments to hundreds of thousands of athletes by several months. They indicated that the issues raised by the appellants had already been addressed properly by Judge Wilken. The contention is that this settlement primarily benefits male athletes in revenue-generating sports like football and basketball, leaving female athletes at a disadvantage.
As it stands, if the appeal goes forward, it will be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. With so much at stake, this case could have lasting implications for the future of college sports and the fair treatment of female athletes.
