Eleven athletes file lawsuit to challenge new NCAA eligibility rules

Eleven college athletes from multiple sports filed a class‑action lawsuit in U.S. District Court for Colorado, arguing that the NCAA’s new five‑year eligibility window unlawfully strips them of a potential fifth year of competition and associated Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. The plaintiffs, which include Minnesota basketball player Cade Tyson and Northern Colorado player Brock Wisne, contend that the rule was applied unevenly, benefiting those who had already exhausted eligibility in 2025‑26 while excluding those who could still compete. "These athletes aren't asking for special treatment," said partner Rob Shelquist, noting the NCAA’s refusal to apply the rule to the most affected group. The lawsuit lists athletes from men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and track and field across institutions such as Arizona State, Radford, California State, South Florida, Boston College, Penn State, Seattle, Robert Morris, and Long Island. A favorable ruling could nullify or reinforce the NCAA’s policy and clarify its stance in related state‑level cases, where an Ohio judge recently sided with 24 athletes, prompting the NCAA to reaffirm its commitment to the current rule.

(Source：Yardbarker)