Women athletes at Oregon are suing the school for various Title IX violations, including how NIL money is being spent. On the surface, NIL is separate from the university and a private entity, so title IX shouldn't apply. Open and shut case.
But if discovery in the case shows that it's actually the university via the football program that directs to who and how the NIL funds are being distributed, the plaintiffs must be hoping that the judge would determine that to be extended university action in violation of Title IX since the $ primarily goes to men's teams athletes.
If this case gets to discovery and emails, texts, etc. are part of the public record, we may get a look into what the interactions between athletic departments and NIL groups look like.
If the case settles, I think it's safe to say the school did not want discovery to take place. I suspect they'll move for summary judgment/dismissal on the NIL claims and, if they lose, that's when we'll learn how involved the actual department may be by whether they settle or not.
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