Can Congress Ever Agree on a Federal Bill for College Athletics? It’s a question that’s been simmering for years, but with two opposing bills on the table, the answer seems more elusive than ever. And this is the part most people miss: the divide isn’t just about money or rules—it’s about fundamentally different visions for the future of college sports. Let’s break it down.
In late September 2025, Senate Democrats Maria Cantwell (Wash.), Cory Booker (N.J.), and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) introduced the Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement (SAFE) Act, a bold move aimed at reshaping college athletics. This bill stands in stark contrast to the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act, which gained traction in a House subcommittee over the summer but has since stalled. The SAFE Act, backed by labor groups and athlete-centric organizations like Athletes.org, takes a more progressive approach, while the SCORE Act, supported by the NCAA and major conferences like the SEC, seeks to maintain the status quo. But here’s where it gets controversial: these bills are so fundamentally opposed that reconciling them into a single federal law feels like trying to mix oil and water.
What’s in the SAFE Act?
The SAFE Act is packed with provisions designed to empower athletes and level the playing field. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
Collective Conference Media Rights Pooling: Imagine conferences banding together to negotiate media deals, maximizing revenue to support Olympic sports. The SAFE Act would amend the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 to make this possible, potentially reshaping how money flows in college sports.
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Transfer Limits: Athletes could transfer penalty-free up to two times, giving them more flexibility in their college careers.
Guaranteed Scholarships: Scholarships would be guaranteed for 10 years after eligibility expires, providing long-term security for athletes.
Post-Eligibility Medical Coverage: Athletes would receive five years of medical coverage after their college careers end, addressing a critical need often overlooked.
Agent Registry and Fee Caps: The SAFE Act would create a certification process for agents and cap their fees at 5%, a significant reduction from the current 20% or more.
Uniform Federal NIL Rights: Say goodbye to the confusing patchwork of state laws. The SAFE Act would establish a national standard for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.
Codifying the House Settlement: The bill would solidify revenue sharing caps, require ‘associated entities’ like collectives to meet valid business purpose requirements, and ensure oversight by the College Sports Commission.
How Does the SCORE Act Differ?
While the SCORE Act shares some similarities, like establishing a national NIL standard, its focus is on protecting the NCAA’s interests. For instance, it explicitly prohibits college athletes from becoming employees and limits penalty-free transfers to just one. It also provides antitrust protections for the NCAA, shielding it from lawsuits related to compensation, eligibility, and transfer rules. Critics argue this bill is more about preserving the current system than advancing athlete rights.
However, the SCORE Act isn’t without its athlete-friendly provisions. It requires schools with athletic revenue over $20 million annually to maintain at least 16 varsity sports and provide benefits like mental health programs, degree completion assistance, and medical benefits. Agent fees would also be capped at 5%, mirroring the SAFE Act.
Why a Federal Bill is Unlikely—For Now
The SAFE and SCORE Acts are like two ships passing in the night, each headed in opposite directions. For one to pass, the other side would need to abandon its core principles, a compromise that seems highly improbable. Given this structural tension, don’t expect a comprehensive federal college athletics bill anytime soon.
But here’s the real question: Is it even possible to create a bill that satisfies everyone—athletes, the NCAA, broadcast networks, and Congress? Or is the system too fractured to fix? Let us know what you think in the comments. Could a middle ground exist, or is this divide too deep to bridge?
