NFL, Player Unions Back College Sports Bill in Congress
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- The NFL, NFLPA, and NBAPA sent statements to Congress on Tuesday supporting the Protect College Sports Act, with the NFL specifically endorsing the voluntary pooling of media rights under the Sports Broadcasting Act.
- The bipartisan bill, drafted by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), would give the NCAA an antitrust exemption to enforce rules on transfer limits, athlete eligibility, and prohibiting in-season coach poaching.
- The Commerce Committee is expected to vote on the bill following a Thursday markup, requiring 15 of 28 members to advance it to the Senate floor.
- The NFLPA and NBAPA jointly praised provisions guaranteeing NIL rights and medical/healthcare benefits for college athletes, while encouraging continued stakeholder negotiations to further strengthen the legislation.
- The Big 12 and ACC have voiced support for the bill, but the Big Ten and SEC opposed the previous version over unresolved issues, particularly its failure to meaningfully preempt state laws with a federal standard.
- The NFL's backing of media rights pooling under the Sports Broadcasting Act directly clashes with the SEC and Big Ten's stated opposition to that specific provision.
Why it matters: The NFL and two major player unions throwing their weight behind the bill shifts the lobbying landscape just as the Commerce Committee prepares to vote. With the Big Ten and SEC already opposed, the professional sports endorsements could pressure wavering committee members, though 15 of 28 votes are still required to advance the NCAA's antitrust exemption to the Senate floor.
