In a filing with the state district court in Lubbock on Thursday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office announced it will not pursue the lawsuit it filed in December 2024 against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The suit claimed the NCAA violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by marketing events as women’s athletics while permitting transgender athletes to compete.
Background and Paxton’s Position
When the case was first announced, Paxton issued a news release stating, “Radical ‘gender theory’ has no place in college sports.” The filing argued that the NCAA’s promotional materials misled fans and sponsors about the nature of women’s competitions.
Withdrawal and Current Status
The attorney general’s office informed the court that it would not move forward with the action. Bloomberg Law first reported the withdrawal. The NCAA, when initially asked to comment, said it would continue to support women’s sports but did not address the specific allegations.
Neither the attorney general’s office nor the NCAA responded to follow‑up requests for comment on Friday.
Political Context
Paxton’s office has recently dropped at least two other lawsuits since the November 3 election, when Paxton lost his bid for the U.S. Senate and Democrat Nathan Johnson defeated Republican Mayes Middleton to become the next attorney general. Johnson has indicated he will review cases filed during Paxton’s tenure and halt actions he deems politically motivated.
Earlier this week, Paxton’s office also dismissed a lawsuit seeking to shut down FIEL, a Houston immigrant‑rights organization accused of violating nonprofit restrictions after criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration proposals and Governor Greg Abbott’s policies. The group had opposed a 2023 Texas law that allowed police to arrest individuals suspected of illegal entry.
Another dismissed case targeted Annunciation House, an El Paso migrant shelter. Founder and executive director Ruben Garcia told El Paso Matters, “It’s very gratifying that this has now ended. It’s over.”
Implications for Future Litigation
The pattern of withdrawals suggests a shift in legal strategy under the new attorney general’s leadership. Johnson has already signaled that he will not prioritize enforcement of the 2025 “bathroom bill” authored by former Senate colleague Mayes Middleton.
Republican messaging during the recent midterm cycle heavily emphasized concerns about transgender participation in youth and collegiate sports. Both Johnson and Middleton have publicly debated the issue, reflecting its continued relevance in Texas politics.
What’s Next?
With the change in the attorney general’s office, pending lawsuits—particularly those framed as politically driven—are likely to be re‑examined. Stakeholders in higher education, sports organizations, and advocacy groups will be watching closely to see how the new administration balances enforcement of state consumer‑protection laws with broader policy priorities.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
