Momentum Continues Growing for Federal Solution to NIL
Activity in both Chambers of Congress is ramping up ahead of crucial time for federal NIL legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 19, 2024) – With March Madness officially underway, college sports are top of mind not only for fans but also members of Congress as momentum continues building for passing federal legislation addressing name, image, and likeness (NIL). Following recent rulings from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, members in both chambers of Congress are actively working toward reaching a bipartisan deal that will secure the future of college athletics.
In the House, two subcommittees held a joint hearing to discuss safeguarding student-athletes from employee status following a recent ruling from the NLRB. This comes as an AP survey found that a majority of U.S. adults do not support college athlete unionization.
Key takeaways from this hearing can be found here.
Separately, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) held a bipartisan roundtable discussion featuring several of his colleagues, as well as key stakeholders from college athletics including ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D., former University of Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban, student-athletes Hanna and Haley Cavinder, and more. During the discussion, there was consensus among all participants that Congress must act.
A link to Senator Cruz’s roundtable discussion can be found here.
During a subsequent interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Coach Saban highlighted why it is imperative that Congress passes federal legislation, citing the current patchwork of state laws and the need for one set of national guidelines.
There has never been this much momentum or discussion between both Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate regarding the future of college athletics. Members of Congress know that now is the time to find a solution and act.
To join the Coalition for the Future of College Athletics or learn more, visit www.C4FCA.com.
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