A judge in California on Thursday was scheduled to weigh preliminary approval of a $2.78 billion settlement of three antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA and major conferences, the first step of a lengthy process that could lead to college athletes getting a cut of the billions in television revenue that flows to their schools.

Attorneys from both sides were set to appear in front of U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken in Oakland, California. Wilken could rule as soon Thursday, but it is more likely to be several days.