Should college athletes be compensated for the use of their names, images, and likenesses? That question is at the heart of a five-year old antitrust lawsuit filed by a group of current and former collegiate athletes against the NCAA. The names, images, and likenesses are currently controlled by the NCAA and its member institutions, which the plaintiffs argue violates federal antitrust law. The NCAA counters that the practice is essential to amateurism and competitive balance, and the integration of athletics and academics.
After years of procedural maneuvering, the trial commenced on June 9 in federal district court in Oakland and is expected to conclude this week, with a decision expected in August. To date, the trial has featured testimony from former players, the NCAA president, conference commissioners, and economists, among others. The losing side will likely appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
