Zakai Zeigler Sues NCAA Over Lost NIL Earnings | College Basketball News

College Basketball News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 5, 2026 · 2m

Zakai Zeigler, former Tennessee basketball star and current pro in Germany, is suing the NCAA for up to $12 million, claiming he lost out on millions in Name, Image, and Likeness earnings by being denied a fifth year of eligibility. His lawsuit leverages the NCAA’s new 5-for-5 model, arguing it proves past restrictions were unjustified. Zeigler, who went overseas after going undrafted, believes he could’ve earned $2–$4 million in NIL deals during an extra college season — and his lawyers are seeking triple that amount in damages. This case joins a growing wave of lawsuits from former players…