A federal judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA on April 28, 2025, which was brought by former college basketball players, including Mario Chalmers.

U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer ruled that the claims in the lawsuit were barred by a four-year statute of limitations for federal antitrust violations.

Engelmayer referenced the 2015 O’Bannon v. NCAA case, indicating that the current lawsuit did not present fundamentally new arguments and lacked a distinct basis from previously settled cases.

The judge noted that the NCAA's contemporary use of players' names, images, and likenesses (NIL) is based on agreements made decades ago, reflecting the performance of existing contracts with student-athletes.

The lawsuit involved 16 former players who competed before June 16, 2016, claiming that the NCAA profited from their NIL during its men's basketball tournament promotions.

Engelmayer emphasized that the NCAA's current use of players' NIL does not constitute a new violation that would reset the statute of limitations.

Kris Jenkins, a former Villanova player, filed a separate lawsuit in April 2025, arguing that his situation is distinct due to the financial gains the NCAA made from his championship-winning shot in 2016.

Jenkins' case may hinge on whether his circumstances are viewed as part of an 'aged agreement' similar to Chalmers' case or as a new issue deserving different legal consideration.

Chalmers is noted for making a crucial 3-pointer in the 2008 NCAA championship game, which remains a highlight in NCAA promotional materials.

The plaintiffs contended that the NCAA's use of their NIL in promotions was unjust, as they did not receive compensation for the profits generated.

Ultimately, the lawsuit was rejected due to the claims falling outside the established statute of limitations, reinforcing the NCAA's current practices.

This ruling underscores the challenges former players face in seeking compensation for their NIL rights, particularly when previous legal precedents are cited.