A federal judge has placed a 14-day ultimatum on the NCAA and its defendants regarding the resolution of roster size issues in the House v. NCAA lawsuit. Judge Claudia Wilken expressed that without an agreement on roster limits to replace current scholarships, she may reject the ongoing settlement. Wilken’s precondition emphasizes the necessity of protecting current athletes by allowing them to finish their eligibility despite new roster rules. The NCAA and significant conference leaders must address this urgency.

Wilken previously shared her apprehensions during the preliminary approval phase of the case, emphasizing that any adjustments to roster sizes that affect nearly 5,000 athletes could lead to significant cuts. NCAA lawyer Rakesh Kilaru expressed reservations about the proposed modifications but indicated a willingness to negotiate solutions.

As deadlines approach, the litigation outcome and potential settlements continue to stir concerns among college leaders, who may also seek legislative measures from Congress to shield their operations from future lawsuits.

Key Aspects of the Settlement:

• $20.5 million cap on revenue-sharing per Division I school starting July 1.
• $2.77 billion allocated for back payments to 390,000 athletes who participated in NCAA events from 2016 to 2024.
• New roster size limits alongside unlimited scholarships.

Judge Wilken’s next steps include evaluating proposals presented during discussions set to take place in Congress, where representatives will lobby for legislative frameworks to stabilize the evolving college athletic landscape.