NCAA settles with unpaid coaches for $303M

"The NCAA has agreed to pay $303 million to settle a class-action antitrust lawsuit representing about 7,700 volunteer college coaches who alleged the organization engaged in illegal wage fixing under a rule that prohibited schools from paying them. On average, a coach from Monday's proposed settlement would receive about $39,200 before expenses and fees, based on the school, sport and years worked,"

"The lawsuit claimed those actions were examples of wage-fixing and "unlawful agreements in restraint of the trade and commerce," referring to the NCAA in the complaint as a "cartel." "This combination and conspiracy by the NCAA and its members schools (which possess a dominant position in the relevant market) has resulted in, and will until restrained continue to result in, anti-competitive effects," including fixing compensation "at the artificially low level of zero" and eliminating or suppressing competition for skilled labor in the market,"

"From 1992 to July 2023, the NCAA and its schools agreed to cap the number of paid coaches for Division I sports. Certain sports teams were allowed one "volunteer coach" who would not be paid and who was restricted from receiving other benefits. The NCAA punished schools that violated that rule. The proposed settlement agreement noted that "many class members will receive a six-figure amount.""

The NCAA agreed to pay $303 million to settle a class-action antitrust suit by about 7,700 volunteer coaches who alleged illegal wage fixing. The proposed settlement would yield about $39,200 on average per coach before expenses and fees, varying by school, sport and years worked. From 1992 to July 2023, Division I schools capped paid coaches and allowed one unpaid "volunteer coach" who could not receive benefits. The NCAA punished schools that violated the rule. The lawsuit labeled the NCAA and member schools a "cartel" that suppressed competition and fixed pay at zero.

Read at ESPN.com