Major New College Athletics Coalition to Build Support for Federal NIL Legislation
Coalition formed by 28 conferences to raise awareness and mobilize supporters of creating a Federal name, image, and likeness standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 1, 2023) – The Coalition for the Future of College Athletics (C4FCA) today officially launched in an effort to urge Congress to pass federal name, image, and likeness (NIL) legislation and provide a uniform standard across college sports. C4FCA will seek to promote a foundation of values that prioritize the rights, welfare, and aspirations of student-athletes as the dynamic landscape of college athletics continues evolving.
In many ways, NIL has been a net positive for college athletes, but it has also created a series of existential threats that put the long-term viability of intercollegiate athletics at risk. In the midst of this transformative time in college sports, stability is needed more than ever – and that’s why C4FCA was created. With momentum building in Congress toward finding a solution to the unintended consequences of NIL, the time is now to finally address many of the pressing issues facing college athletics.
For generations, college athletics have been at the forefront of providing young women and men the opportunity to receive a premiere education, learn invaluable life lessons, and have experiences that shape the rest of their lives – all while chasing their athletic dreams at the highest levels. For many, it’s a pathway to a better life and an education that otherwise would not have been possible. But in the ever-shifting landscape of college athletics, many of those opportunities could be threatened for the next generation of student-athletes if the challenges of today are not met with solutions.
C4FCA calls on Congress to pass federal NIL legislation that:
Eliminates the patchwork of state laws that has resulted in state-by-state efforts to provide their universities with an upper hand in recruiting while simultaneously eliminating the ability for multi-state organizations like conferences and national organizations to implement and enforce their own rules
Creates an even playing field for college athletes that makes it easy for young people to understand and navigate NIL rules and to know that their competitors from other states are governed by the same regulations
Prevents the use of NIL in the recruiting process, a practice that essentially produces a “pay-to-play” environment that encourages the involvement of third-party individuals and organizations in the recruiting process
Establishes nationwide and uniform oversight and enforcement of NIL rules and regulations to ensure that bad actors cannot take advantage of college athletes and their families
Clearly establishes that college athletes are not employees of the universities at which they are enrolled
Recognizes the existing requirements of Title IX and protects the great strides made in the last half century to enhance, promote and protect women’s sports C4FCA will serve as an umbrella for all stakeholders – conferences, universities, student-athletes, alumni, fans, and more – as it encourages Congress to pass a uniform, federal NIL standard and secure the future of all college sports.
Founding members include: America East Conference, American Athletic Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, Atlantic Sun Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, BIG EAST Conference, Big Sky Conference, Big South Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, Big West Conference, Conference USA, Horizon League, Mid-American Conference, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, Missouri Valley Football Conference, Mountain West Conference, Ohio Valley Conference, Pac-12 Conference, Pioneer Football League, Southeastern Conference, Southwestern Athletic Conference, Southern Conference, Summit League, Sun Belt Conference, West Coast Conference, and the Western Athletic Conference.
To join the Coalition for the Future of College Athletics and learn more, visit www.C4FCA.com.
For media inquiries, please contact press@C4FCA.com.
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