NCAA Volunteer Coach Settlement Notice

Volunteer Coach Settlement

A proposed $303 million settlement has been reached in an antitrust class action lawsuit against the NCAA on behalf of former Division I “volunteer” coaches in sports other than baseball. The lawsuit challenges NCAA rules that prohibited schools from paying wages, salaries, or benefits to coaches designated as volunteer coaches.

The settlement notice generally applies to individuals who worked at any time between March 17, 2019, and June 30, 2023 as a volunteer coach in an NCAA Division I sport other than baseball.

Key Points

Who may be included: Individuals who served as a designated “volunteer coach” in an NCAA Division I athletics program, other than baseball, during the covered period.
Settlement amount: The NCAA will fund a $303 million settlement, paid in three equal payments over two calendar years.
Potential payment: Class members who submit a valid claim may receive a share of the net settlement fund. The notice states the minimum payment before fees and costs is $5,000 for each class member who files a valid claim.
Claim deadline: To receive a payment, class members must submit a claim form online or by mail no later than June 2, 2026.
Exclude yourself or object: The deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement or to object is March 21, 2026.
Court hearing: A hearing is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. PT in Ray v. NCAA, No. 1:23-cv-00425.

Important: If you do nothing, and you are part of the class, you will still be bound by the Court’s decisions and will give up certain rights to sue the NCAA or other released parties over the claims covered by the settlement.

Payment amounts may vary based on factors including school, sport, year(s) worked, the number of valid claims, the wages of the lowest-paid coach on the team, and court-approved deductions.

Learn More & Next Steps

For full details, eligibility information, claim instructions, exclusion and objection procedures, and settlement updates, review the official settlement resources below.

This page is a summary only. Please review the official settlement materials for complete information and important updates.

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