The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) disclosed in its latest tax filing that it spent nearly $35.6 million in legal fees during the most recent fiscal year, with a significant portion going to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. Orrick, a long-time legal advisor to the NCAA, topped the list with earnings of more than $16.7 million between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023 (Bloomberg Law).
Washington’s boutique litigation firm Wilkinson Stekloff secured over $5.4 million, primarily for its role in a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement involving current and former college athletes (Bloomberg Law). Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner followed closely behind with almost $5.7 million in fees, while Barnes & Thornburg collected over $5 million. Latham & Watkins rounded out the top five, receiving nearly $2.8 million.
This substantial investment in legal services comes against the backdrop of major changes within the NCAA’s leadership. Former President Mark Emmert received nearly $4.3 million in severance and about $3.3 million in total annual compensation last year, while his successor, Charlie Baker, did not have any “reportable compensation” for the corresponding fiscal period (Bloomberg Government).
Further, Scott Bearby, the NCAA’s long-standing general counsel, received more than $565,500 in total compensation. Donald Remy, former chief operating and legal officer, was absent from the latest filing but had previously secured $2.4 million in severance payments during the prior fiscal year (Bloomberg Law).