Autonomy Conferences Encouraged by Committee Activity on the SCORE Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 15, 2025) – Today, members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade moved a step closer to a national framework for college athletics by holding a markup of the bipartisan Student Compensation and Opportunity through Right and Endorsement (SCORE) Act. The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC issued the following joint statement highlighting the continued momentum for federal NIL reform in Congress:
“Today’s committee activity on the SCORE Act marks a significant and positive development for student-athletes and the future of college sports. This bill enshrines many protections from the House settlement and establishes the consistency, clarity, and fairness that student-athletes of all sports deserve. We are encouraged to see members from both parties working together to move legislation forward.
“In the last few years, the lack of a uniform NIL standard has produced competing state laws, endless lawsuits, and uncertainty for athletes and schools. Thanks to the stabilizing impact federal legislation will provide, future generations of competitors will have access to both academic and athletic opportunities that would not be possible without college sports. Now it is up to Congress to pass legislation and finally deliver a national solution that protects college sports as a cherished American tradition.”
Key highlights of the SCORE ACT include:
Replacing the confusing patchwork of state NIL laws with a national standard that levels the playing field for all student-athletes and all sports programs.
Enshrining the groundbreaking economic benefits of the historic House v. NCAA settlement.
Establishing permissible revenue sharing by universities and colleges that will start at $20.5 million for 2025-26.
Providing scholarship protections and degree completion programs for student-athletes.
Covering the cost of medical care for student athletes for sports-related injuries, with no out of pocket costs, throughout their time at the university and up to three years after they leave or graduate.
Providing independent medical care, including for return to play decisions following an injury.
Providing support and counseling to students on numerous topics, including mental health resources, NIL rights, financial literacy, and career readiness.
Protecting a student-athlete’s right to control and monetize his or her name, image, and likeness and establishing safeguards to prevent bad actors from exploiting student-athletes.
Preserving the educational mission of college sports by prohibiting student-athletes from being deemed employees of their institution.
Requiring institutions to maintain at least 16 varsity sports programs.
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