Validating the NCAA’s interpretation of House settlement language, U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins on Thursday ruled that multimedia rights companies and third-party brand sponsors can be classified as “associated entities” within the meaning of the agreement.
The ruling by Cousins, the judge who acts as the House settlement administrator, denied a motion made by class counsel Steve Berman and Jeffrey Kessler.
In a text message to Sportico, Berman said the plaintiffs would appeal the ruling to U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken. The appeal, Berman added, will be filed within 14 days.
Berman and Kessler contend the settlement doesn’t contemplate MMRs, including Learfield, Playfly Sports and JMI Sports, and that third-party brand sponsors, including banks, apparel companies, airlines and car dealerships, can count as associated entities.
There’s no debate “associated entities” includes traditional boosters of athletic programs, but its inclusion of other entities that help both athletes and schools is a tension point.
