SEC and the Big Ten Decline to Back Federal College Sports Bill

The SEC and Big Ten issued a joint statement Tuesday declaring they do not support the current version of the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at regulating college athletics in an era where some players earn millions.

In their statement, the two conferences said the “bill leaves critical issues unresolved,” specifically that it does not “meaningfully” replace state laws with a federal one. The measure of federal preemption has long been considered essential for gaining support from the NCAA and its major conferences.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told The Associated Press last week that the draft legislation “is drafted to preempt state laws that conflict with the provisions in this bill.” He co-authored the bill with Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

The Protect College Sports Act would provide the NCAA with an antitrust exemption, allowing enforcement of rules that have faced recent court challenges. Those include restrictions on transfers, athlete eligibility, and limits against schools hiring away a coach during the season.

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The SEC and Big Ten released their opposition less than a day before a scheduled hearing on the bill in front of the Senate Commerce Committee. Cruz chairs that committee, while Cantwell serves as the ranking Democrat.

The Big 12 and ACC have expressed support for the bill. However, the Big Ten and SEC hold considerable decision-making authority over issues such as the future of the College Football Playoff, and they remain the two wealthiest conferences in college sports.

Among its central provisions, the legislation would give conferences the option to pool their media rights. Proponents argue such a move could generate additional revenue, though the Big Ten and SEC have previously indicated they do not believe it would produce the financial gains supporters suggest.

The joint statement from the two leagues did not address the media rights pooling issue. A representative for the Senate Commerce Committee confirmed acknowledgment of the Big Ten and SEC position on the bill.

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The Protect College Sports Act has been presented as a bipartisan effort responding to changes in the college sports landscape, particularly as athlete compensation has expanded. The version under review seeks to establish a nationwide standard for regulatory practices.

The SEC and Big Ten emphasis on federal preemption highlights one of the most debated topics of the bill’s drafting process. According to their statement, the conferences contend that only a fully preemptive federal statute would provide the clarity necessary for effective governance.

In his interview, Cruz described the bill’s intent as a means of standardizing the patchwork of state policies that currently govern athlete compensation and institutional rules. He said the proposed text is structured to override state laws that directly conflict with its provisions.

With the Senate Commerce Committee set to consider testimony from industry stakeholders, the bill’s future remains tied to whether major conferences will reach consensus on federal oversight. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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