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NCAA v. Oklahoma Board of Regents
For the first time this Supreme Court case put into law that student-athletes cannot be paid, although this pay for play was not the main issue. In this case the NCAA lost power over how to distribute money made during television broadcasts. -
The National College Players Association Advocated for Student Athletes' Rights
The National College Players League raised awareness for health and safety issues that student athletes face, which prompted the NCAA to start providing more medical oversight and health care benefits for athletes. -
White v. NCAA
In this case, student-athletes challenged the NCAA’s restriction on what athletic scholarships cover, since the current restrictions did not cover additional living expenses and the cost of school supplies. The NCAA settled the case, permitting athletes schools to purchase health insurance for athletes and expanded the purposes of benefits funds for student athletes. -
Northwestern Football Team Unionizes
The National Labor Relations Board ruled that football players at Northwestern qualify as employees of the University because of the time commitment that they make to their sport and the fact that the university ties their performance on the field directly to their scholarships. -
O’Bannon v. NCAA
UCLA basketball player and 19 others won in a case against the NCAA, allowing athletes to have money generated by television contracts to be set aside in a trust fund for after they graduate. The judge did, however, set a cap on the amount of money an athlete could make. -
FBI opens an investigation into the NCAA
The Southern District Court of New York revealed evidence of corruption, bribery and wire fraud among top NCAA basketball programs. The complaint specifically states that “the defendants and other agreed to funnel $100,000 (payable in four installments) from Company-1 to the family of Player-10. Shortly after the agreement with the family of Player-10 was reached in late May and early June, Player-10 publicly committed to University-6,” according to Sports Illustrated. -
NCAA Increases Funds by $200 million
The NCAA announced a $200 million increase in funds that could be allocated to students to expand academic and career advising resources and also fund scholarships that cover the full cost of attendance. -
Alston v. NCAA
A judge ruled that football and basketball players could receive more compensation than their scholarship, but only if that money goes towards furthering their education, such as scholarships for a postgraduate education. The judge did not rule in favor of Alston’s request to lift the NCAA’s cap on compensation or the rules banning athletes in revenue generating sports from receiving more money for participating. -
California's Fair Pay to Play Bill
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, signed a bill into law that allows players to sell their name, image and likeness and made it illegal for universities to take away an athletes scholarship away if they accept an endorsement. -
NCAA Allows Players to Sell their Likeness
About two months after California passed the Fair Pay to Play bill, the NCAA created new rules to allow student-athletes to make a profit, but also maintain their amateurism.
