According to the lawsuit, NCAA rules unlawfully prevented schools from paying volunteer coaches wages or benefits. The NCAA denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle the claims.
If you worked as a volunteer coach for an NCAA Division I sports program (other than baseball) between March 17, 2019, and June 30, 2023, you may qualify for a payment from a $303 million class action settlement.
Some eligible coaches could receive $5,000 or more, with estimated average payments around $39,260 before deductions.
What happened?
The lawsuit alleged the NCAA and Division I member schools agreed to prohibit compensation for certain volunteer coaching positions through NCAA bylaws.
Plaintiffs claimed those rules amounted to an illegal wage-fixing agreement that violated federal antitrust law by preventing volunteer coaches from receiving pay or benefits.
Who is eligible?
You may be included in the settlement if:
- You worked as a “volunteer coach” under NCAA Division I bylaws
- Your sport was not baseball
- You served in that role at any point between March 17, 2019, and June 30, 2023
The settlement includes:
- Full-season volunteer coaches
- Partial-season volunteer coaches
- Coaches who worked for multiple schools or sports during the class period
How much money can you get?
Payments will come from the net settlement fund after deductions for attorneys’ fees, expenses, service awards and administration costs.
Estimated Payments
- Minimum estimated payment: $5,000
- Average estimated payment: About $39,260 before deductions
Final payment amounts depend on:
- The school and sport involved
- The year(s) worked
- The wages of the lowest-paid coach on the team
- The number of valid claims submitted
Your options
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| File a Claim | Submit a claim to receive a payment from the settlement | June 2, 2026 |
| Exclude Yourself | Keep your right to sue separately, but receive no payment | March 21, 2026 |
| Object | Tell the court why you disagree with the settlement | March 21, 2026 |
| Attend the Fairness Hearing | Ask to speak at the settlement hearing | May 11, 2026 |
| Do Nothing | Receive no payment and still be bound by the settlement | No action required |
How to file a claim?
Claimants may need documentation showing they served as volunteer coaches during the class period.
Examples include:
- Offer letters or volunteer agreements
- Team rosters or staff listings
- School or HR records
- Emails referencing coaching duties
- NCAA or conference compliance records
- Media guides, programs or articles
- Statements from former coaches, players or staff
If you received a postcard notice, the claim form may already contain information obtained from your school.
Class members can submit a claim online or mail a completed claim form.
Online claimants will need:
- Their Unique Claim ID
- Their Identification Number from the postcard notice
Mail claim forms to:
Ray v. NCAA Volunteer Coach Settlement
c/o A.B. Data Ltd.
PO Box 173059
Milwaukee, WI 53217
The settlement administrator may request additional supporting documentation if needed.
