NCAA files lawsuit against Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine over state executive order on fifth-year players

Key Points:

• The NCAA has filed a federal lawsuit against Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to block his executive order allowing Ohio colleges to grant a fifth season of eligibility to Class of 2022 athletes, which the NCAA argues violates its rules and gives Ohio schools an unfair competitive advantage.
• DeWine’s order directs in-state colleges to ignore NCAA eligibility rules, permitting athletes who completed four seasons to compete for an additional year, a move the NCAA claims breaches the U.S. Constitution, state law, and the Commerce Clause.
• The NCAA lawsuit is unprecedented, marking the first time the association has sued a sitting governor, highlighting ongoing legal battles in college sports over athlete eligibility, compensation, and movement amid a transformative era.
• The NCAA contends the order harms both Ohio and out-of-state athletes by allowing Ohio schools to roster experienced fifth-year seniors, disadvantaging teams that adhere to NCAA rules and potentially disrupting fair national competition.
• The lawsuit requests that the court declare DeWine’s order invalid, prohibit its enforcement, and protect the NCAA’s rights, emphasizing that state laws cannot confer competitive advantages that undermine the association’s governance and interstate commerce.