Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has reached a final settlement with the NCAA that could change college sports forever.
The settlement would end the NCAA’s rule banning athletes from using their name, image, and likeness for recruiting purposes.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares Takes On ‘Outdated and Unfair’ NCAA NIL Rules
“[The ruling would] guarantee that student-athletes can freely negotiate compensation for name, image, and likeness before they commit to a specific school,” Destiny Harris of 12 News Today said.
“It’ll also allow third parties to negotiate NIL deals and establish increased transparency and oversight, meaning the NCAA must publicize any proposed NIL changes for the next five years and must meet with the states before any proposed NIL changes can go into effect,” Harris continued.
For too long, the NCAA’s outdated NIL rules unfairly restricted student-athletes from benefiting from their talent and hard work just like any other American.
I’m proud to have led the fight to protect their freedoms and ensure a fair, competitive future for college sports. pic.twitter.com/xGiDi39yj0
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) March 18, 2025
The ruling would also enhance school support, enabling schools to “provide prospective student-athletes with support and assistance regarding NIL opportunities during the recruiting process,” according to a release.
Miyares announced the decision in a social media post-Tuesday.
“For too long, the NCAA’s outdated NIL rules unfairly restricted student-athletes from benefiting from their talent and hard work just like any other American,” Miyares wrote. “I’m proud to have led the fight to protect their freedoms and ensure a fair, competitive future for college sports.”
While the settlement still needs to be approved by a judge, athletes in other states, including Florida, Tennessee, New York, and Washington D.C., could be affected as well, putting nationwide attention on the decision.
KEEP READING: Money Can’t Buy Madness: Kansas State, Indiana Snubbed Despite NIL Investments
A federal judge agreed with the state’s allegations, blocking the NCAA’s enforcement of its “illegal rules” throughout the litigation. According to a release, the parties announced a settlement in principle in January 2025.
“This final settlement, which awaits court approval, represents a decisive victory in the continued effort to protect the economic freedom of student-athletes and stabilize college athletics,” Miyares’ office wrote in a release.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
