SAN ANTONIO, Texas — NCAA President Charlie Baker said he doesn’t expect Judge Claudia Wilken to formally approve the landmark House v. NCAA settlement during Monday’s hearing, though he believes eventual approval is likely.
“I don’t think she’ll approve it on Monday,” Baker said Saturday at the Final Four. “She may give us some guidance… My guess is she’s going to have the hearing and she’ll [approve it] after that.”
The House settlement represents one of the most significant shifts in college athletics in decades. The multi-billion dollar class-action lawsuit from 2020 could allow schools to directly pay athletes up to $20.5 million, challenging the NCAA’s traditional amateurism model.
Approval is expected later, with the July 1 implementation date still in place. The settlement would be overseen by Judge Wilken, Deloitte, and the Power Four commissioners, with a new CEO and board enforcing its terms.
While Baker supports the change, he acknowledges potential issues, such as capped compensation, legal limitations, and fair market value debates. An arbitration process will handle disputes, and all deals over $600 will be reviewed.
Baker also addressed growing concerns, including social media harassment during tournaments. The NCAA may block offenders or involve local law enforcement in serious cases, as it did during the 2023 College World Series.
When asked about pursuing an anti-trust exemption via executive order, Baker stated any changes would need to go through Congress.
“This is the biggest change in 40 years,” Baker said. “It’s going to be rocky and bumpy… but it’s far better than what we have now.”
