Emerging Legislation Targets College Athlete Compensation
In a significant development for college athletics, major athletic conferences are urging Congress to step in regarding student-athletes profiting from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). A draft bill, known as the SCORE Act, is being crafted to provide an anti-trust exemption for college sports, aiming to create a uniform framework for how athletes can earn from their personal brand. This legislative push comes as the landscape of college sports continues to evolve following landmark decisions and settlements.
While the SCORE Act has not yet been formally introduced, it has already sparked discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders in the college sports community. Posts on X indicate that the bill seeks to codify terms from recent settlements, such as the House vs. NCAA agreement, into federal law. Additionally, it includes provisions like athlete agent registration and requirements for athlete health and welfare, signaling a comprehensive approach to reforming college athletics.
Recent Settlements and the Call for National Guidelines
The urgency for congressional intervention has been amplified by recent legal outcomes, including the final approval of the House vs. NCAA settlement by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken on June 7. This settlement, valued at $2.8 billion, marks a historic shift by allowing schools to directly pay athletes for the first time, alongside providing back pay to current and former athletes. Conference leaders have lauded this agreement but continue to stress the need for federal legislation to ensure consistency across all schools and conferences.
A proposed bill discussed in Congress on June 12 aims to establish uniform national guidelines that all institutions must follow, addressing disparities in state laws and NCAA policies. An athletic director, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns about returning to old practices of under-the-table payments if loopholes persist, highlighting the complexity of implementing these changes without federal oversight.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Implications
Stakeholders across the spectrum are weighing in on the potential impact of the SCORE Act and related legislation. Rep. Lori Trahan of Massachusetts commented, 'We have a system where the NCAA, conferences, and their member institutions set rules. Athletes can challenge them. And if the rules are unfair, courts can intervene, or a deal can be struck. The SCORE Act rewrites that process to guarantee the athletes' position.' This sentiment reflects a broader push to balance the interests of athletes with the integrity of college sports.
Power conferences have also voiced support for swift legislative action. In a statement shared on X by the Coalition for the Future of College Athletics on June 11, they urged lawmakers to 'build on this momentum and deliver the national solution that athletes, coaches, and schools deserve.' As hearings continue, including one held on June 12 to discuss the SCORE Act, the future of college athletics hangs in the balance, with potential ramifications for how student-athletes are compensated and protected under federal law.