NCAA to Reform Prize Money Rules Following $2 Million Settlement
A federal judge has granted preliminary approval to a landmark class action settlement that forces the NCAA to abandon long-standing restrictions on student-athletes keeping prize money. The agreement, which includes a $2 million damages fund, resolves a dispute led by tennis players Reese Brantmeier and Maya Joint.
Chief District Judge Catherine C. Eagles deemed the settlement fair and reasonable on June 29, 2026, marking a significant shift in college sports governance. The legal action, spearheaded by Peggy Wedgworth of Milberg PLLC, challenged NCAA mandates that required high school athletes to forfeit earnings from professional tournaments to maintain their eligibility. The organization has now permanently eliminated the rule prohibiting athletes from keeping prize money earned prior to their college enrollment.
The litigation stemmed from the experiences of Brantmeier, the 2025 NCAA singles champion, who was forced to surrender $40,000 of her $50,000 winnings from the 2021 U.S. Open. Joint, who recently garnered international attention by defeating Serena Williams at Wimbledon, faced similar financial penalties during her time at the University of Texas. Eligible tennis players who saw their prize money forfeited between March 19, 2020, and November 21, 2025, may now submit claims for compensation from the settlement fund.
Class members have until September 28, 2026, to object or opt out of the agreement. The court has set a final fairness hearing for January 8, 2027, in Greensboro, North Carolina, where the judge will review the distribution process.
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