Cal Stein, a partner with Troutman Pepper Locke, was quoted in the February 4, 2025 The New York Times/The Athletic article, “What Are Next Steps in NCAA’s $2.8 Billion Settlement Becoming Reality?

Cal Stein, a litigation partner at Troutman Pepper Locke who has advised a number of colleges and collectives on NIL issues, believes it’s more likely than not the settlement gets approved, but acknowledged he’s less confident in that outcome than he was in October when Wilken granted preliminary approval. He also agreed more lawsuits are on the way.

“The House settlement started with the goal of the NCAA putting an end to the losses it has taken in these litigations all over the country,” said Stein, “but the great irony is that it’s really just going to lead to more lawsuits.”

“I’m a little bit skeptical, or maybe a lot skeptical, that we’re anywhere near that happening,” said Stein. “I don’t know that it’s a priority for Congress.”

Insight Industries + Practices