DOJ and More States Join Lawsuit Against NCAA Transfer Rule in Landmark Case, US

The Department of Justice, three additional states, and the District of Columbia have joined an ongoing lawsuit against the NCAA’s transfer eligibility rule. The DOJ claims that the rule infringes upon college athletes’ rights to control their education and sell their image and likeness. Attorneys general from Minnesota, Mississippi, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have signed on to the suit alongside the federal agency. The original lawsuit was filed on December 7 by seven states, including Ohio, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. The states are challenging the NCAA rule that requires athletes who wish to make a second transfer in Division I to wait a year before participating in their sport. If successful, the lawsuit could significantly impact college sports. The NCAA has referred to its previous statement and declined to comment further at this time. A preliminary injunction has been issued against the NCAA, preventing the association from enforcing the transfer rule. The injunction will remain in effect until at least the end of the 2023-24 academic year, allowing winter and spring athletes to compete without restrictions. A trial date for the case has yet to be scheduled. The other states involved in the original lawsuit are Colorado, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.