The House v. NCAA Lawsuit: What It Means for College Swimming

The landscape of college athletics is undergoing a seismic shift, and at the center of this transformation is the House v. NCAA lawsuit. While much of the attention has focused on high-profile sports like football and basketball, the ripple effects of this legal battle extend to Olympic sports, including college swimming. With potential changes in compensation models and how the NCAA operates, many are wondering: how will this lawsuit affect college swimmers and the programs that support them?

This post explores the House v. NCAA lawsuit, its implications for student-athletes, and what it could mean specifically for the future of college swimming.

1. What Is the House v. NCAA Lawsuit?

House v. NCAA is a landmark antitrust class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 by former Arizona State swimmer Grant House. The suit argues that NCAA rules unlawfully restricted student-athletes from earning money for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) prior to recent changes in NIL policy. The case also challenges the NCAA’s historical ban on direct compensation for athletes.

Key points of the lawsuit:

• Claims the NCAA violated antitrust laws by preventing athletes from earning NIL compensation

• Seeks retroactive damages for athletes who missed NIL opportunities before July 1, 2021 (when new NIL rules took effect)

• Argues for a future model where schools share broadcast and media revenue directly with athletes

The case is currently moving through the federal court system and could lead to a multibillion-dollar payout to former athletes.

2. Why This Matters for All College Sports

Although the lawsuit originates from major revenue-generating sports, its implications extend to all NCAA athletes. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could:

• Force the NCAA to pay damages to thousands of former athletes

• Create a revenue-sharing model similar to professional sports

• Redefine the NCAA's role in regulating amateur athletics

This raises big questions for non-revenue sports like swimming: How would funding change? Will Olympic sports be cut to pay athletes in football and basketball? Or could swimmers benefit from greater NIL opportunities and potential compensation?

3. Current State of NIL in College Swimming

Since the NCAA adopted its interim NIL policy in 2021, college swimmers have been able to profit from their personal brand. This includes:

• Sponsored social media posts

• Personal coaching or clinics

• Endorsement deals

• Merchandising and branding

• Appearances and speaking engagements

Some high-profile swimmers, particularly Olympians or social media influencers, have secured significant NIL deals. Examples include:

• Katie Grimes (Florida) and Gretchen Walsh (Virginia) partnering with swim brands

• Athletes using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote themselves

However, for most swimmers, the NIL landscape remains modest compared to football or basketball. That said, the door has opened, and House v. NCAA could swing it wide.

4. How House v. NCAA Could Affect College Swimming Programs

1. Budget Shifts and Financial Pressure

If the NCAA or schools are forced to share revenue or pay back billions in damages, athletic departments will likely face tough budget decisions. Since swimming is a non-revenue sport, it could be at risk in schools that prioritize major programs.

Potential impacts:

• Reduced scholarships or team sizes

• Cuts to swim programs at financially strained schools

• Increased reliance on donor support and endowments

2. Opportunity for Revenue Sharing

If a new model is created where all athletes receive a share of media revenue, swimmers could benefit. While this amount would likely be modest compared to revenue sport athletes, it represents a step toward financial equity.

3. Leveling the Playing Field for NIL

The lawsuit emphasizes fairness across all sports. If NIL markets become more structured and transparent, swimmers may gain better access to deals and support.

Schools might:

• Build NIL collectives that include swimmers

• Offer media training and branding resources

• Create platforms to connect Olympic sport athletes with sponsors

5. Will Schools Cut Olympic Sports Like Swimming?

This is a major concern. In past years, schools have cut non-revenue sports to save money (e.g., Stanford cutting 11 sports in 2020 before reinstating them due to backlash). If forced to pay athletes or restructure finances, some athletic departments may see Olympic sports as expendable.

However, there are reasons for optimism:

• Title IX: Schools must ensure gender equity, which supports the continuation of women’s swim programs

• Olympic pipeline: College swimming is critical to Team USA's success; cutting programs could damage national competitiveness

• Alumni and donor support: Many swim programs have strong booster communities willing to fundraise to save their teams

6. Impact on Recruiting and Athlete Decision-Making

If House v. NCAA results in new compensation or revenue-sharing opportunities, the recruiting landscape will change.

Swimmers may start to consider:

• Which schools offer the best NIL infrastructure

• Where they can build their brand most effectively

• Whether to choose a program with strong media exposure and digital presence

This could benefit Power 5 schools with more resources, but it might also level the playing field if NIL marketplaces are developed more equitably.

7. How Swimmers Can Prepare

Build Your Brand

• Start a professional social media presence

• Create a personal website or blog

• Engage with fans and promote your sport

Learn About NIL and Legal Rights

• Understand your school’s NIL policy

• Use services that connect you with NIL opportunities

• Consult with trusted advisors (parents, coaches, agents)

Choose Schools That Support Olympic Sports

• Look for programs with strong alumni networks and endowments

• Research school history with supporting non-revenue sports

• Ask coaches about their program's long-term stability

8. The Future of College Swimming in a Post-House World

The outcome of House v. NCAA could redefine amateurism in the NCAA and reshape the financial landscape of college sports. For swimming, the key question is whether it will be marginalized or embraced as part of a more equitable system.

Possible futures include:

• More professionalized Olympic sports: With NIL and revenue-sharing, swimmers may train at a high level while earning money

• Greater visibility and opportunities: NCAA changes could push networks and sponsors to invest more in non-revenue sports

• Increased pressure on swim programs: Some schools may downsize or cut programs due to financial strain

The key will be how the NCAA, schools, and athletes adapt. Swimmers who embrace change, build their brand, and advocate for their sport will be better positioned to thrive.

Final Thoughts

House v. NCAA is more than a legal battle—it's a turning point for college athletics. While much remains uncertain, one thing is clear: college swimming will not be untouched. Whether through increased NIL opportunities, potential revenue sharing, or program restructuring, swimmers must prepare for a new era.

For athletes, coaches, and supporters of college swimming, now is the time to stay informed, advocate for Olympic sports, and seize new opportunities. The waves of change are coming—swimmers should be ready to ride them.