The Supreme Court rules against the NCAA in NCAA v. Alston
The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 in favor of the athletes in NCAA v. Alston on June 21, 2021.
Jeffrey Kessler, Lead attorney for the plaintiffs
Hopefully it will be the major next step on the road to a true fair competitive system for these athletes.
The opinions and the reaction
The athletes’ (plaintiffs’) side
Jeffrey Kessler, Lead attorney for the plaintiffs
It’s tremendous to win this 9-0, …
The NCAA’s side
Mark Emmert, NCAA president
Additionally, we remain committed to working with Congress to chart a path forward, which is a point the Supreme Court expressly stated in its ruling.
Even though the decision does not directly address name, image and likeness, the NCAA remains committed to supporting NIL benefits for student-athletes, …
Commentator or conference statement that takes neither side
Jason Montgomery, Attorney, Husch Blackwell
Generally speaking, I don’t think this changes anything for the NCAA, ... The Supreme Court wanted to limit its decision. ... That all being said, it’s also clear it’s not going to limit [the ability] for plaintiffs in antitrust cases in the future.
The Court (opinion or concurrence)
Justice Gorsuch, Opinion of the Court
Accordingly, we do not pass on the rules that remain in place or the district court’s judgment upholding them. Our review is confined to those restrictions now enjoined.
Supreme Court of the United States, Jun 21, 2021
Opinion, via the Supreme Court; slip opinion, opinion of the Court (not the syllabus)
In essence, it seeks immunity from the normal operation of the antitrust laws and argues, in any event, that the district court should have approved all of its existing restraints.
Supreme Court of the United States, Jun 21, 2021
Opinion, via the Supreme Court; slip opinion
Justice Kavanaugh, Concurring opinion
The NCAA is not above the law.
Supreme Court of the United States, Jun 21, 2021
Opinion, via the Supreme Court; slip opinion
Related
Court rulings on college athletics
- Aug 8, 2014O’Bannon v. NCAA ruling
- NCAA v. Alston: the Supreme Court and limits on athlete benefitsThis page
- Nov 14, 2023Oregon State and Washington State win control of the Pac-12 board
- Feb 23, 2024Tennessee and Virginia v. NCAA: the preliminary injunction
- May 23, 2024House v. NCAA settlement
- Dec 18, 2024Pavia v. NCAA: the preliminary injunction
Sources
News and releases
- Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Jun 21, 2021·Archived copy
“Supreme Court sides with players on case regarding compensation for college athletics”
Remarks, as quoted by Touchdown Alabama Magazine; said to ESPN, and the card links to the Touchdown Alabama text, not to an ESPN page
- Supreme Court of the United States, Jun 21, 2021·Archived copy
“National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Alston, No. 20-512”
CBS Sports, Jun 21, 2021·Archived copy“Supreme Court cracks NCAA’s amateurism with unanimous decision allowing unlimited benefits tied to education”
Statement, as quoted by CBS Sports (Dennis Dodd); issued by the NCAA
Comment, as quoted by CBS Sports