Kris Jenkins, Villanova Hero, Sues NCAA for Lost NIL Earnings

Kris Jenkins, known for his iconic game-winning shot in Villanova’s 2016 national title game, has filed a lawsuit in New York federal court against the NCAA and six major conferences. Jenkins claims he lost significant income opportunities due to NCAA rules that barred athletes from profiting from their name, image, and likeness during his collegiate career from 2013 to 2017.

The lawsuit, filed as recently as April 2025, seeks compensation for lost revenue from endorsements, game broadcasts, video games, and sponsorship deals. Jenkins cites the large financial gains following the championship—including a $19.1 million NCAA payment to the Big East and a record $22.6 million donation to Villanova’s athletic department—as evidence of the revenue his achievements generated. He is one of 350 athletes who opted out of a broader $2.8 billion antitrust settlement, aiming instead for individual claims for his lost NIL opportunities.