Challenging the NCAA: The Case of Rylan Masterson

Rylan Masterson, a Canadian junior hockey player, has taken a bold step by filing a proposed class-action lawsuit against the NCAA and 10 universities. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court, alleges that the NCAA is violating antitrust laws by barring any player who has appeared in a major-junior hockey game from also playing in the NCAA. This rule, according to Masterson, is anticompetitive and unjust.

The NCAA’s Bylaw 12.2.3.2 states that any individual who has competed on a professional team is ineligible for intercollegiate athletics. As a result, players who have participated in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) are deemed ineligible for NCAA competition. This rule has had a significant impact on Masterson’s eligibility, as he had briefly appeared in two preseason games with the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires.

The lawsuit names several universities, including Canisius University, Niagara University, Boston College, and the University of Notre Dame Du Lac, among others. The inclusion of these universities in the lawsuit highlights the widespread impact of the NCAA’s rule on Canadian junior hockey players seeking NCAA eligibility.

Masterson’s lawsuit argues that the NCAA’s rule creates a „boycott“ that hinders competition between the CHL and NCAA for top-end players. This, in turn, artificially suppresses compensation for players and creates less competitive leagues. The lawsuit asserts that the NCAA’s rule is illegal under antitrust laws due to its restrictive and anticompetitive nature.

If Masterson’s lawsuit is successful, it could lead to significant changes in the junior hockey pipeline. By allowing players to compete in both major-juniors and college, the NCAA’s rule could be challenged and revised, opening up new opportunities for Canadian junior hockey players seeking NCAA eligibility.

Rylan Masterson’s lawsuit against the NCAA and 10 universities shines a light on the challenges faced by Canadian junior hockey players in pursuing NCAA eligibility. The lawsuit, which is based on antitrust laws and the unfair restrictions imposed by the NCAA, has the potential to bring about significant changes in how the junior hockey pipeline operates. By challenging the status quo, Masterson and other players like him are advocating for a more inclusive and competitive environment for all aspiring hockey players.