University News
Western Illinois University Athletics Statement on Daley et al. v. NCAA Ruling
September 24, 2026
MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University Athletics is aware of the decision in Daley et al. v. NCAA, in which a Monroe County, IN, judge granted a preliminary injunction allowing the student-athletes covered by the order to continue pursuing eligibility to compete during the 2026-27 academic year as the litigation proceeds. The case challenges NCAA eligibility rules affecting student-athletes who graduated from high school in 2022 and have exhausted their previously available seasons of competition.
The lawsuit involves 97 student-athletes, including Western Illinois women's basketball student-athlete, Mia Nicastro, seeking the opportunity to compete for an additional season under the NCAA's current eligibility framework. Nicastro previously was granted a temporary restraining order in the case, and the latest ruling provides additional relief as the court considers the broader issues raised in the lawsuit.
"We have been following this case closely because it directly impacts one of our student-athletes and could have broader implications for college athletics," said Acting Administrator in Charge of Athletics Jeremy Robinett. "Our focus throughout this process has been making sure we understand what each decision means for our student-athletes and that we are giving them the opportunity to participate when they are legally and otherwise eligible to do so."
Nicastro was a key contributor to the Leathernecks' 2025-26 season, earning Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and OVC Female Athlete of the Year honors after averaging 24.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. She helped lead Western Illinois to an OVC regular-season championship, the program's first OVC Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
"We are extremely excited about the possibility of having Mia back with the program," said WIU Head Women's Basketball Coach JD Gravina. "This has been a very emotional process, and we are thankful that Mia took a leap of faith to see it through. Obviously, Mia is a tremendous player, but the thing I'm most excited about is the way she complements our other returners. Everyone involved benefits from Mia returning — our community, our institution, our program and our other current players. We will continue working hard to prepare ourselves for another exciting season!"
The ruling allows the student-athletes covered by the injunction to continue pursuing the opportunity to compete while the case moves forward. It does not represent a final decision in the litigation, and student-athletes must still meet all other applicable requirements before participating in competition.
"We are happy for Mia and the other student-athletes who now have some additional clarity about their immediate futures," Robinett said. "There are still pieces of this case that have to play out, but we will continue to support our student-athletes and make decisions that are consistent with the court's orders and the rules that apply to us."
Posted By: WIU Athletics (SID@wiu.edu)
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