Milberg Secures Landmark NCAA Settlement Over Tennis Prize Money for Athletes

Major Shift in NCAA Rules: Landmark Settlement for Tennis Athletes

In a historic ruling, a federal judge has granted preliminary approval for a groundbreaking class action settlement that is set to transform NCAA regulations related to prize money earned by high school and college student-athletes. The case, representing student-athletes' rights, was led by the renowned law firm, Milberg PLLC, and marks a significant step forward in the fight for fair compensation in college athletics.

On June 29, 2026, Chief District Judge Catherine C. Eagles approved the settlement after deeming it "fair, reasonable, and adequate." The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, was spearheaded by tennis students Reese Brantmeier, a former standout at the University of North Carolina and the 2025 NCAA singles champion, and professional player Maya Joint. They challenged the NCAA's restrictive rules that forced students to forfeit a large portion of their winnings from competitions like the U.S. Open.

Brantmeier, while still in high school, earned approximately $50,000 at the 2021 U.S. Open but was only allowed to retain $10,000 due to NCAA regulations, limiting her financial earnings and opportunities. Joint faced a similar challenge before pursuing a professional career, reflecting a broader issue that affects many talented athletes juggling the demands of both academic and athletic excellence.

Peggy Wedgworth, a senior partner at Milberg, spoke passionately about the impact of this settlement: "This shows what happens when athletes are willing to challenge a system that has operated unchecked for far too long. This settlement not only provides a tangible financial benefit but also serves as a reminder that athletes have the right to voice their concerns and bring about change."

According to the terms of the settlement, the NCAA will formally abolish the rule that prohibits student-athletes across all sports from retaining prize money earned prior to their enrollment in college. This modification is effective immediately, representing a significant victory for athletes who are often hampered by bureaucratic regulations that limit their potential earnings.

Furthermore, as part of the settlement agreement, the NCAA has committed to contribute $2 million into a damages fund. This fund is to be equitably distributed among tennis players, both high school and college students, who can demonstrate that they were unjustly deprived of their prize money from March 19, 2020, until November 21, 2025. With this major payout, those eligible will finally receive compensation for their athletic efforts without the anxiety of losing their eligibility.

The settlement allows a 90-day period for class members to object to the terms or opt out, with a deadline set for September 28, 2026. The claims process for individuals eligible for damages begins shortly thereafter, on July 13, 2026. A final fairness hearing is scheduled for January 8, 2027, in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Judge Eagles will deliberate on the implications of the settlement.

This landmark case not only highlights the financial challenges faced by student-athletes but emphasizes the need for continuing legal support to advocate for their rights. The implications of this settlement reverberate across the NCAA landscape, prompting a reevaluation of existing policies and offering hope to those who have long been neglected in the conversation surrounding athlete compensation. As professional and collegiate sports continue to grow in prominence, the need for equitable treatment and fair financial practices remains paramount.

Milberg PLLC, with over five decades of legal expertise in representing plaintiffs in various complex cases, has garnered a reputation for supporting individuals against powerful institutions. This case is another testament to their commitment to championing fairness and accountability in the realm of sports, and it may pave the way for further reforms in NCAA policies affecting student-athletes.

For anyone affected by this case or with questions regarding their potential claims, Milberg PLLC encourages individuals to visit the case website or reach out directly to Peggy Wedgworth for further assistance. The fight for just compensation and fair treatment for student-athletes continues, reinforcing the idea that unity and legal action can yield transformative change.

In the words of Wedgworth, "This settlement provides real change for tennis high school student-athletes who were forced to choose between their sport and their college eligibility." This bold step forward signifies the ongoing struggle for equality within college athletics—one worth fighting for.