Members of the 1983 N.C. State men’s basketball team tried to seek compensation for their NIL rights but were unsuccessful in court.
Coached by Jim Valvano, the national championship squad filed a lawsuit claiming that the NCAA had exploited their publicity rights associated with their legendary victory.
However, a North Carolina judge dismissed the lawsuit, citing untimeliness and a failure to allege a violation of a legally enforceable right.
Stacy Miller, the lawyer representing the former NC State players, expressed pride in their efforts to fight against the exploitation of student athletes.
The Wolfpack, known as the “Cardiac Pack,” overcame various challenges to win the championship, including close games and upsets against higher-seeded teams.
Their remarkable journey was immortalized in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “Survive and Advance,” which has inspired other underdog teams.
