College Sports: Stuck in the Middle of Political Games

Big Problems: NIL and Eligibility Rules

College sports face significant challenges, including NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and player eligibility rules. Leaders hope for a federal fix, but progress is uncertain.

Senate Democrats Oppose the SCORE Act

Three Senate Democrats—Cantwell, Blumenthal, and Booker—are against the SCORE Act, stating it's not beneficial for athletes.

"The SCORE Act isn't fair to the players. It helps everyone else but the athletes." — Cantwell

"Nothing will pass if it's only supported by one party." — Blumenthal

The SCORE Act: Backed by the NCAA and Big Conferences

Supported by the NCAA and big conferences.
Had momentum but not yet voted on.
Needs 60 Senate votes to pass, a tall order.

Democrats Propose the SAFE Act

Allows conferences to pool TV rights (opposed by big conferences).
Offers 10-year scholarships and 5-year medical coverage post-eligibility.
Supported by pro sports unions.

Key Differences Between the Acts

SCORE Act	SAFE Act
Makes House settlement terms official	Allows TV rights pooling
Prevents athletes from being classified as employees	Provides 10-year scholarships and 5-year medical coverage
Sets a national standard for NIL laws	Supported by pro sports unions

Finding Common Ground

Both parties agree that college sports need help, but finding common ground is difficult. With the current landscape, a solution seems far off.