US Senators Propose Federal Oversight of NIL Compensation, Healthcare for Athletes

A bipartisan group of senators is working on a college sports law that would supersede state laws and create state rules for player name, image and likeness reimbursement, create a unit to oversee enforcement of those rules, and protect athletes. Will fund long-term health care for ,

The College Athlete Protection and Compensation Act is only a draft up for discussion at this point, but is notable for involving both Democrats and Republicans in addressing issues impeding college sports and the role of the NCAA.

sense. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (Dn.J.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) were scheduled to speak to reporters about their efforts later Thursday.

With the NCAA lifting its zero-compensation ban in 2021, college sports leaders are pleading with Congress for help in how athletes can monetize their fame.

The NCAA has been plagued by court losses, including a unanimous Supreme Court rebuke two years ago, with the association refraining from enacting detailed rules to establish a national standard for NIL. Meanwhile, the intricacies of state laws have created a confusing and uneven playing field for schools to compete on.

Earlier this week, Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey reiterates that a federal law is necessary To pursue college sports.

“The reality is that only Congress can fully address the challenges facing college athletics,” he said at the SEC Media Day.

NCAA President Charlie Baker, who has spent much of his time meeting with Washington lawmakers since taking office earlier this year, has said transparency and standardization with the NIL are needed to protect athletes and their families. Is.

The legislation would provide for this through the creation of the College Athletics Corporation, a non-governmental oversight and enforcement agency. The CAC will provide certification to agents who wish to represent college athletes and negotiate voidable contracts, as well as maintain a database of voidable deals. It would also have subpoena powers to investigate potential violations, which the NCAA violations staff does not have.

The new governing body will also create a medical trust fund for athletes to use during and after their careers. The funds would come from contributions from the NCAA and schools and conferences that generate at least $50 million in revenue annually.

Over the past four years, more than a dozen bills targeting the NIL and college athletics have been introduced by federal lawmakers, including former Stanford football players Booker and Blumenthal’s College Athlete Bill of Rights. Moran introduced the Protection and Compensation Amateur Athlete Act in 2021.

None of those proposals went anywhere.

Reporting by The Associated Press.