NCAA $49.25M Volunteer Baseball Coaches Settlement

Volunteer coaches for an NCAA Division I baseball program who served between Nov. 29, 2018, and July 1, 2023, may qualify to receive a cash payment from a class action settlement.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) agreed to pay $49,250,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging violations of antitrust laws. The lawsuit claimed the NCAA’s former rule designating certain Division I baseball coaches as volunteer coaches unlawfully restricted their compensation and employment opportunities.

Who is eligible for a volunteer baseball coaches payout?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• They served as a volunteer coach in college baseball at an NCAA Division I school.
• Their service took place between Nov. 29, 2018, and July 1, 2023.
• Their position was designated as “volunteer coach” under NCAA Division I Bylaw 11.7.

How much is the NCAA settlement payment?

Pro Rata Payment: Each eligible settlement member will receive a pro rata cash payment based on the school and years served.

No claim form needed to receive compensation

There is no online claim form or downloadable PDF claim form for this settlement. The settlement administrator has already identified eligible class members using NCAA and public records.

Proof and documentation

Class members must log in to the settlement website using their Claim ID (provided in their settlement notice) and provide a completed W-9 tax form. They can also update their address at this time.

Payout options

• Paper check mailed to address on file or updated address
• Electronic payment (can select online when providing W-9)

$49.25 million NCAA volunteer baseball coaches settlement fund

The settlement fund of $49,250,000 covers:

• Attorneys' fees: Up to $14,775,000
• Attorneys' expenses: Up to $1,500,000
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $7,500 each ($15,000 total)
• Settlement administration costs: Amount not specified but subject to court approval
• Payments to class members: Remainder of the fund

Every dollar of the fund will be distributed; no money will be returned to the NCAA. If any funds remain unclaimed after distribution, they may be redistributed to class members or donated to the American Baseball Coaches Association, pending court approval.

Important dates

• Request for Exclusion Deadline: July 14, 2025
• Final Fairness Hearing: Sept. 15, 2025

When is the volunteer baseball coach settlement payout date?

Eligible claimants will receive payment within 60 days of the court granting final approval.

Why did this class action lawsuit happen?

The class action lawsuit claims the NCAA’s former rule designating certain Division I baseball coaches as volunteer coaches violated antitrust laws by restricting their compensation. The plaintiffs alleged this rule unfairly prevented coaches from receiving pay and benefits.

The NCAA denies all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the uncertainty and expense of further litigation and appeals.

Sources

1. Class Notice
2. Settlement Website FAQ
3. Settlement Agreement