On July 2, we reported on Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins’ ruling that multimedia rights companies (MMRs) and third-party brand sponsors are not categorically excluded from the definition of “associated entities” under the House settlement. On August 4, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken affirmed that ruling, upholding the College Sports Commission’s (CSC) authority to review NIL deals between NCAA athletes and MMRs or third-party brand sponsors.
NCAA Policies
MMRs and Third-Party Sponsors Are Associated Entities Under the House Settlement
On June 25, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California denied the House plaintiffs’ motion to exclude multimedia rights companies (MMRs) and third-party sponsors from the definition of associated entities under the House settlement enforcement.[1] Class counsel filed a motion seeking clarity on the definition of “associated entities or individuals,” arguing:
College Sports Commission Updates Its Range of Compensation Analysis
On June 23, the College Sports Commission (CSC) issued a memorandum to all Division I Institutions and Conferences updating its NIL deal review, enforcement policy, and agent agreements.
NCAA Division I Cabinet Approves Age-Based, Five-Year Eligibility Model
On June 23, 2026, the NCAA Division I Cabinet unanimously approved a historic overhaul of student-athlete eligibility rules, adopting an age-based model that grants student-athletes five full seasons of competition after entering college. The vote marks the most significant structural change to NCAA eligibility rules in decades and resolves — at least formally — a system that had become both legally vulnerable and administratively unworkable.
Brendan Sorsby Folds: Drops Lawsuit and Applies for NFL Supplemental Draft
After being ruled eligible to play for Texas Tech this upcoming season, Brendan Sorsby is forgoing his college career and applying to enter the NFL’s Supplemental Draft. We previously wrote about the Sorsby saga and his reinstatement. However, a week after a judge ruled that Sorsby would be eligible to continue playing football for Texas Tech, the Big 12 filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of Texas[1] seeking a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief to punish Sorsby for sports betting.
Brendan Sorsby Bet on Himself and Won: Now What?
On June 8, 2026, District Court of Lubbock County Judge Ken Curry ruled in favor of Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby after the NCAA initially ruled him ineligible to play collegiate football. In granting the temporary injunction, Judge Curry held that Sorsby, who notably entered a gambling rehabilitation facility following the NCAA’s ruling, “has demonstrated he will suffer a probable, imminent, and irreparable injury,” allowing him to continue his college football career after admitting to betting, including on his games.[1]
How the NCAA’s 5-in-5 Eligibility Proposal Impacts Youth and College Hockey
Editor’s Note: This post was updated on June 9, 2026, to reflect the NCAA’s updated guidance issued on June 5, 2026, in response to recommendations from stakeholders in men’s ice hockey, men’s basketball, and the U.S. national service academies.
During its May meeting, the Division I Cabinet proposed and discussed an age-based eligibility model (i.e., the 5-in-5 proposal) that would give student-athletes five years of eligibility, beginning either the academic year after turning 19 or upon graduation from high school, whichever happens first.
NCAA Tampering Probe Puts Revenue-Sharing Era Under the Microscope
Last week, the NCAA launched a forensic investigation into the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) football program following public complaints alleging potential tampering involving linebacker Luke Ferrelli. Ferrelli, the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year as a member of the University of California, Berkeley during the 2025 season, entered the transfer portal this offseason, signed a revenue-sharing contract with Clemson, then later reentered the portal and ultimately transferred to Ole Miss.
Trinidad Chambliss’ Contract-Based Challenge to NCAA Eligibility Decisions
By Philip Nickerson on
Posted in NCAA Policies, Student Athlete Eligibility
Trinidad Chambliss’ lawsuit in the Chancery Court of Lafayette County, Mississippi, asks the court to bar the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility denial and to require the association to apply its bylaws as written and as promised.
Utah Starts the Private Equity NIL Race
By Michael S. Lowe & George Pla on
On December 9, 2025, the University of Utah, in what appears to be the first such deal of its kind, announced plans to partner with Otro Capital in a private equity arrangement. The deal is projected to generate approximately $500 million in capital for the university’s athletic programs.[i] Otro Capital is a New York-based firm that invests in sports teams and leagues.[ii]