NCAA Volunteer Coach Wage-Fixing Class Action Settlement
People who worked as an NCAA Division I volunteer coach in any sport other than baseball between March 17, 2019, and June 30, 2023.
Who’s Eligible
You may be eligible for the NCAA settlement if you:
- Worked as a “volunteer coach” as designated by NCAA Bylaws at any point between March 17, 2019, and June 30, 2023
- Were assigned to an NCAA Division I sports program
- Coached a sport other than baseball
Eligible States
Quick Eligibility Check
Claim Deadline
What You Need to Do to Get Paid
To get paid from the NCAA settlement:
Claim Online
- Visit the official NCAA Volunteer Coach settlement claim site
- Enter your Claim ID and Identification Number if you received one by mail or email — your school’s records will auto-populate your information
- If you did not receive a Claim ID, complete all sections of the claim form manually
- Provide supporting documentation of your volunteer coaching role where possible
- Sign and submit your claim form no later than June 2, 2026
Claim by Mail
- Download the claim form from the official settlement website
- Complete all required sections, including your work history and payment information
- Gather supporting documents such as appointment letters, roster listings, or correspondence with your athletic department
- Sign the form
- Mail your completed claim form to A.B. Data, Ltd. so it is postmarked no later than June 2, 2026
Class Members must provide supporting documentation to verify they worked as a volunteer coach at an identified school and confirm approximate dates of service during the Class Period (March 17, 2019 to June 30, 2023). Acceptable primary sources include official school/athletic department records, contemporaneous correspondence, official ID/credentialing records. Secondary sources such as contemporaneous media/publications, photographs, statements from others, or sworn declarations may be accepted if primary documentation is unavailable. The Settlement Administrator reserves the right to reject claims if adequate supporting documents are not provided.
Settlement Payout
NCAA settlement payments are at least $5,000 per valid claimant. The minimum guaranteed payment applies before any court-approved deductions. Your actual payment may be higher, depending on factors such as the school, sport, and years you coached; the number of valid claims filed; the wages of the lowest-paid coach on your team; and the total amount of court-approved fees and costs deducted from the fund. Payments will be distributed in three equal installments, with the first scheduled no earlier than August 15, 2026, and subsequent payments one and two years after that. You can choose to receive payment by ACH direct deposit or mailed check.
- Attorneys’ Fees: up to 30% of Settlement Fund
- Litigation Costs and Expenses: up to $5,000,000
- Service Awards for Class Representatives: up to $25,000 each (5 representatives, up to $125,000 total)
- Settlement Administration Costs: to be deducted from Settlement Fund
- Net Settlement Fund: distributed to Class Members who file valid Claim Forms
Settlement Documents
Background of the Lawsuit
Five former NCAA Division I volunteer coaches filed suit in March 2023, alleging that the NCAA and its member schools conspired to suppress compensation for an entire category of coaching positions. The lawsuit targets NCAA Bylaw 11.7.6, which was in place from 1992 until July 1, 2023, and prohibited schools from paying wages, salaries, or benefits to coaches designated as “volunteer coaches.” Plaintiffs argued this amounted to an illegal wage-fixing arrangement under Section 1 of the Sherman Act.
The case proceeded through significant litigation, including the NCAA’s failed motion to dismiss in July 2023 and class certification granted in March 2025. Class counsel issued more than 400 subpoenas to Division I colleges and universities to identify class members and gather compensation data. Both sides participated in mediation sessions in 2024 and 2025 before reaching the proposed $303 million settlement in October 2025.
NCAA denies all allegations of wrongdoing. The court has not decided whether the NCAA violated the law. The settlement was reached to avoid the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the NCAA Volunteer Coach settlement?
How much will I get from the NCAA Volunteer Coach settlement?
What is the deadline to file a claim in the NCAA Volunteer Coach settlement?
Do I need to provide documentation to file a claim in the NCAA Volunteer Coach settlement?
What was the NCAA accused of in this lawsuit?
How do I file a claim in the NCAA Volunteer Coach settlement?
When will NCAA settlement payments be sent out?
Does the NCAA admit wrongdoing in the NCAA Volunteer Coach settlement?
Settlement Administrator
Ray v. NCAA Volunteer Coach Settlement
c/o A.B. Data, Ltd.
PO Box 173059
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Case Details
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Disclaimer
The information on this website is free to access and provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. We summarise settlement information from official notices, court documents, settlement websites, administrators, and other primary sources where available.
Settlement details and deadlines may change. Always refer to the official settlement website or consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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