The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unaminously Monday that NCAA limits on education-related benefits for college athletes violate federal antitrust laws. The opinion is a victory for athletes’ rights and a strong rebuke of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
 
In the case NCAA v. Alston, the court considered whether the association had the authority to limit scholarships to the cost of attendance and bar colleges from providing any additional compensation or benefits, even if they were related to an athlete’s education.  The NCAA was contesting a lower-court ruling that allowed colleges to offer greater academic-related enticements to Division I football and men’s and women’s basketball players — benefits such as scholarships for graduate degrees, paid postgraduate internships, and provision of free computers, musical instruments and other types of equipment related to education.
 
The ruling in Monday’s case differs from the highly publicized lawsuits over whether athletes should be compensated for use of their name, image and likeness, an issue currently before state legislatures and Congress.
 
Below is a round-up of media coverage from across the country:
 
NCAA Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision
NCAA.org (June 21, 2021)
 
In Unanimous Ruling, Supreme Court Takes Aim at NCAA’s ‘Amateurism’ Modelis
The Chronicle of Higher Education (June 22, 2021)
 
Supreme Court Upholds Payments to Athletes
Inside Higher Ed (June 22, 2021)
 
Supreme Court Rejects NCAA’s Tight Limits on Athlete Benefits, Compensation
The Wall Street Journal (June 21, 2021)
 
Supreme Court Backs Payments to Student-Athletes in N.C.A.A. Case
The New York Times (June 21, 2021)
 
Ruling Dings N.C.A.A., but It Keeps Rule-Making Power
The New York Times (June 21, 2021)
 
Supreme Court Ruling Could Reshape the Face of College Athletics
NPR.org (June 22, 2021)
 
Supreme Court Ruling Could Reshape College Athletics
TAP Into Greater Olean.com (June 22, 2021)
 
Supreme Court Rules Against NCAA Restrictions on Colleges Offering Educational Perks to Compensate Student-Athletes
The Washington Post (June 22, 2021)
 
With the Courts (and Kavanaugh) on Their Side, Advocates Plot Future Challenges to the NCAA
The Washington Post (June 22, 2021)
 
The NCAA, the Supreme Court, a Duck, and a Bicycle – Opinion
The Wall Street Journal (June 22, 2021)
 
Soon, the NCAA as We Know It Will No Longer Exist. Good Riddance. – Opinion
The Washington Post (June 22, 2021)