Autonomy Conferences Statement on SCORE Act Reported Out of Key Committees
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 23, 2025) – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Education and Workforce Committee moved one step closer to delivering a major legislative win for college sports by passing the bipartisan Student Compensation and Opportunity through Right and Endorsement (SCORE) Act out of their respective panels. This comprehensive bill establishes a nationwide standard for student-athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, while also containing key provisions that expand academic and health benefits for student-athletes.
The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC issued the following joint statement applauding the committee’s action today:
“College sports are a uniting force in America, and we commend committee members for embracing this spirit through their good-faith negotiations and cooperation to ensure protections for student-athletes and move collegiate athletics one step closer to much-needed stability. In addition to establishing a clear and consistent NIL standard across the country, the SCORE Act will protect the educational opportunities created by college sports, including safeguards for Olympic and women’s sports.
“Competitions and traditions that are unique to college sports are not possible without the student-athletes who represent our institutions, and we are proud this bipartisan product expands academic and health resources that will set student-athletes up for success in sports, in the classroom, and in their future careers. Passing federal legislation will ensure college sports will thrive into the future, and we look forward to continued collaboration on this legislation ahead of its consideration on the House floor.”
Key highlights of the SCORE ACT include:
Replacing the confusing patchwork of state NIL laws with a national standard that promotes fairness and consistency 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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