Riley Gaines Transgender NCAA Lawsuit, Major Win as Title IX Claims Survive Court Dismissal

Riley Gaines scored a major legal victory this week when a federal judge allowed her Title IX claims against the NCAA to proceed, even though most other parts of her transgender NCAA lawsuit were dismissed.

Here’s what the ruling means and why it matters for women’s sports.

What Just Happened in Court?

On Thursday, September 26, 2025, U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson dismissed most claims brought by former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines and more than a dozen other female athletes against the NCAA, but kept the most important one alive.

The key ruling: The NCAA still must address whether its previous transgender participation policy violated the Title IX gender equity law.

This is huge because Title IX is the main federal law protecting women’s sports.

Why Most Claims Were Thrown Out

The judge dismissed the constitutional claims because the NCAA is not a state actor. In simple terms, you can only sue for constitutional violations against government entities, and the NCAA is a private organization.

Claims dismissed:

• Constitutional equal protection claims
• Due process violations
• Claims against Georgia officials and Georgia Tech

Claims moving forward:

• Title IX violations against the NCAA

Why the Title IX Claim Survived

The federal judge ruled Riley Gaines’ Title IX case against the NCAA can proceed, focusing on whether Department of Defense concussion-research ties make the NCAA a federal funding recipient.

This is critical because Title IX only applies to organizations that receive federal funding. The court found there’s enough evidence to explore whether the NCAA gets federal money through research grants.

What Happens Next?

The lawsuit will move forward to the discovery phase after the federal judge partially denied motions to dismiss.

Discovery phase means:

• Both sides exchange documents
• Depositions and witness interviews
• Evidence gathering about NCAA policies
• Timeline: Usually 6-12 months

The Lia Thomas Trophy Controversy

One of the most compelling parts of the lawsuit involves what happened at the 2022 NCAA championships. According to court documents, Gaines tied for fifth place with Thomas in the 200 freestyle, but NCAA officials told Gaines that only Thomas would be allowed to hold the fifth-place trophy.

This incident became a symbol of the broader issues female athletes face when competing against transgender women.

What This Ruling Means

For women’s sports: The Title IX claim surviving is significant because it directly addresses whether allowing transgender athletes violates federal protections for women’s sports.

For similar cases: This ruling provides a roadmap for future transgender sports litigation – focus on Title IX rather than constitutional claims.

For the NCAA: They now face a potentially expensive legal battle over their core transgender policies.

Key Questions About the Riley Gaines Transgender NCAA Lawsuit

What are the NCAA’s current transgender policies?

The NCAA has strict policies governing sports eligibility for transgender student-athletes. The current policy generally requires transgender women to complete one year of testosterone suppression treatment before competing in women’s sports.

Why did most constitutional claims get dismissed?

The judge ruled that the NCAA is not a “state actor,” meaning it’s a private organization. Constitutional claims like equal protection only apply to government entities, not private organizations.

What’s the significance of Georgia Tech being named?

Georgia Tech hosted the 2022 NCAA swimming championships where the controversy occurred. The University System of Georgia was named as a defendant because of this connection.

How does this affect current transgender athletes?

The ruling doesn’t immediately change anything. Current transgender athletes can still compete under existing NCAA policies while the Title IX case proceeds through court.

The “Riley Gaines Act” and Legislative Response

The lawsuit has already sparked legislative action. Some lawmakers passed the “Riley Gaines Act,” which bars public institutions from hosting competitions where transgender women compete against cisgender women.

This shows how the case is influencing policy beyond just the courtroom.

Who Else Is Involved?

Plaintiffs: More than a dozen current and former female college athletes joined Gaines in the lawsuit.

Defendants: The NCAA, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech (which hosted the 2022 championships), and other officials.

Intervenors: The ACLU and National Women’s Law Center filed to intervene on behalf of transgender athletes, defending their rights to participate.

Legal Resources and Related Cases

If you’re dealing with similar discrimination issues, understanding your rights is crucial. Consider consulting with experienced civil rights attorneys who understand federal anti-discrimination laws.

For employment-related discrimination, our guide on wrongful termination lawyers can help you understand your options.

What Title IX Actually Says

Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

The key legal question: Does allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports constitute sex-based discrimination under Title IX?

Bottom Line

Riley Gaines’ transgender NCAA lawsuit took a hit with most claims dismissed, but the Title IX claim surviving is actually the most important victory. This federal law specifically protects women’s sports, and the court’s decision to let it proceed suggests there’s a real legal case here.

The case now moves to the discovery phase, where both sides will gather evidence about NCAA policies and their impact on women’s sports.

The outcome could reshape how transgender athletes compete in college sports nationwide.

For updates on Riley Gaines’ lawsuit and other Title IX cases affecting women’s sports, check our coverage of discrimination attorneys and employment law issues.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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