Hausfeld Announces Landmark Decision

Washington, DC (August 9, 2014) - In a historic decision entered today, United States District Court Judge Claudia Wilken ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in O'Bannon v. NCAA, and entered a permanent injunction prohibiting the NCAA from enforcing any rules or bylaws that would prohibit its members from offering FBS football or Division I basketball recruits a limited share of the revenue received from using their names, images and likenesses in addition to a full grant-in-aid. The injunction takes effect with the next football/basketball recruiting cycle. In her 99-page opinion, Judge Wilken found the NCAA's bylaws unreasonably restrain trade in the college education market and that the NCAA's alleged procompetitive justifications either were not supported by the evidence or could be achieved through less restrictive alternatives.

Michael Hausfeld, Chairman of Hausfeld LLP and lead counsel for plaintiffs, stated: “This is a long awaited decision to unmask a myth imposed upon young college athletes.  The decision was a well-reasoned rebuke to the NCAA’s exploitation.  No longer can the NCAA hide behind the fiction of amateurism to deny the benefits well deserved by the young players who are the heart and soul of the enterprise.  Hopefully the decision will mark the beginning of a transformation of the relationship of the athletes to the academic community.”   

Hausfeld LLP’s outstanding team of attorneys working on the case are: Michael Hausfeld, Michael Lehmann, Hilary Scherrer, Sathya Gosselin, Bruce Wecker, and Swathi Bojedla.

All press inquiries and interview requests should be directed to Deborah Schwartz at (240) 355-8838 or deborah@mediarelationsinc.com. 

About Hausfeld LLP

Hausfeld LLP is a global claimants’ law firm providing litigation services in the areas of antitrust/competition law, sports and entertainment, securities fraud, product liability, human rights, and consumer protection. In addition to its Washington, DC headquarters, the firm has offices in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and London.

For further information please visit: www.hausfeldllp.com