Congress Withdraws College Sports Bill Amid Bipartisan Backlash: ‘Not Ready Yet’
On December 3, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives faced significant controversy as it withdrew a key bill related to college sports just before a planned final vote. The decision to retract the SCORE Act, which aimed to regulate name, image, and likeness (NIL) issues, stemmed from increasing bipartisan backlash.
Understanding the SCORE Act
The SCORE Act, officially known as the Student Compensation And Opportunity Through Rights and Endorsements, was proposed to bring order to the evolving landscape of college athletics. This legislation sought to establish rules for NIL compensation and transfer agreements within the NCAA framework.
Key Provisions of the SCORE Act
- Authorized NCAA to set limits on NIL deal expenditures by schools.
- Required that schools establish guidelines for athlete transfers.
- Included assessments for fair-market value of NIL deals.
- Protected universities from allowing conflicting NIL deals with school sponsorships.
- Prevented athletes from being classified as employees of their universities.
Bipartisan Criticism and Legislative Challenges
Despite passing a procedural vote with a narrow margin of 210-209, the bill faced widespread criticism. Prominent voices like Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus expressed concerns that the SCORE Act primarily served the interests of the NCAA and large athletic conferences, while undermining athletes’ rights.
Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) voiced strong opposition, stressing that the bill would not address the pressing instabilities in college athletics. In her remarks, she highlighted how the legislation might limit the rights of students involved in collegiate sports.
Congressional Dynamics Surrounding College Sports
The withdrawal of the SCORE Act signals a growing divide among lawmakers regarding college sports governance. Trahan also announced an alternative proposal aimed at providing federal standards for NIL rights and establishing a bipartisan Commission to Stabilize College Sports. This new initiative aims to develop long-term solutions, showcasing the need for a cohesive approach to the complexities within college athletics.
The ongoing discussions in Congress indicate that while there is a desire for regulatory frameworks in college sports, significant disagreements remain. As legislators grapple with these challenges, the future of college athletes’ rights and compensation continues to hang in the balance.
