U.S. District Judge Clifton Corker in the Eastern District of Tennessee has ruled that the NCAA cannot enforce its regulations prohibiting name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation to recruit athletes in Tennessee and Virginia. The judge’s decision follows an antitrust lawsuit filed by the attorneys general for both states, claiming the NCAA's stance likely violates antitrust law.

In his ruling on Friday, the judge highlighted that while the NCAA allows student-athletes to profit from their NIL, it has not demonstrated how the timing of when a student-athlete enters such agreements would undermine the preservation of amateurism in college sports.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti expressed that this ruling marks the start of a new era in college sports, emphasizing the need for fair and clear rules to benefit student-athletes. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares echoed these sentiments, stating that student-athletes deserve more freedom over their earnings and accusing the NCAA of exploiting talented young athletes.

The NCAA responded to the ruling, expressing concerns that it would intensify the already turbulent collegiate environment, possibly exposing student-athletes to exploitation. The organization stressed its support for student-athletes profiting from NIL and its commitment to enhancing benefits for them; however, it stressed the necessity of Congressional collaboration for stability in future college sports.

The Tennessee case is one of at least six antitrust lawsuits faced by the NCAA as it seeks antitrust safeguards from Congress. The decision by Judge Corker signifies a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding athlete compensation and amateurism in college sports.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.