The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who alleges the organization violated antitrust laws. The NCAA argues that Pavia lacks standing to sue and that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter.

Pavia’s lawsuit, filed in February 2023, accuses the NCAA of unlawfully restricting student-athletes’ ability to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The lawsuit contends that the NCAA’s NIL rules create an illegal monopoly and harm student-athletes by preventing them from receiving fair compensation.

In its motion, the NCAA claims that Pavia does not have standing to sue because he has not suffered any antitrust injury. The NCAA also argues that the court lacks jurisdiction because the lawsuit is based on state law, not federal law.

Legal experts have weighed in on the NCAA’s motion. Antitrust attorney Michael Hausfeld believes that the NCAA has a “strong case” that Pavia lacks standing, but sees the court’s jurisdiction as less clear. Sports law expert Dan Wallach argues that the NCAA’s NIL rules “raise serious antitrust concerns.”

In 2021, the NCAA adopted new rules allowing student-athletes to receive NIL compensation. However, the NCAA has faced criticism for its strict restrictions on these arrangements. Pavia’s lawsuit is one of several legal challenges to the NCAA’s NIL rules.

If the court dismisses Pavia’s lawsuit, it would be a significant setback for student-athletes seeking to challenge the NCAA’s NIL rules. However, the lawsuit could also move forward to trial, allowing the court to rule on the merits of Pavia’s antitrust claims.

The ongoing legal battle between Pavia and the NCAA has implications for the future of college athletics. The outcome of this lawsuit could shape the NCAA’s NIL rules and student-athletes’ ability to monetize their likeness.