Jeffrey Kessler Named Among Sports Business Journal’s Most Influential People in Sports Business 2024

Winston & Strawn Co-Executive Chairman Jeffrey Kessler was named as one of Sports Business Journal’s Most Influential People in Sports Business 2024. Jeffrey was listed alongside Hagens Berman Managing Partner Steve Berman and Senior District Judge for the Northern District of CA Claudia Wilken—the trio was recognized for their integral roles in the landmark House, Hubbard, and Carter antitrust cases which could result in a seismic shift in the college sports landscape.

Jeffrey’s team secured a $2.75B settlement—among the largest antitrust settlements in history—in back-damages to current and former college athletes, and billions for current and future athletes, allowing them to share the revenue they generate for their schools (over $20M per school, per year). Following a 9-0 U.S. Supreme Court victory (Alston v. NCAA), Jeffrey’s team have prosecuted three class actions against the NCAA and “Power 5” conferences (House, Hubbard, Carter) along with Hagens Berman—defendants approved the settlement of all three. In addition to securing damages and back pay, the settlements  allow college athletes to share in revenue generated by their schools and receive name, image, and likeness compensation.

Judge Wilken will ultimately decide whether to approve the landmark settlement during a final hearing on April 7. 

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