Big Ten, SEC opposition stalls Senate college sports bill as Iowa AD weighs in
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
The U.S. Senate adjourned Thursday without scheduling a vote on the Protect College Sports Act, leaving the bipartisan bill in limbo after the Big Ten and SEC refused to support it. The legislation, aimed at regulating college athletics and setting a revenue-sharing cap, now faces an uncertain future as lawmakers prepare for a monthlong recess.
Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz, speaking at Big Ten media days in Chicago, expressed skepticism about self-regulation as an alternative. “When you're in a competitive environment, it's really hard to execute self-regulation and enforcement,” Goetz said. “How do you navigate those waters?”
Why the Big Ten and SEC oppose the bill
The two most powerful conferences in college sports object to the bill's revenue-sharing cap of $48.8 million, up from $21.3 million. They argue it does not fully close a loophole that allows schools to use “associated entities,” such as corporate sponsors, to exceed the cap through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Sen. Ted Cruz, a co-author of the bill, pushed back on social media, writing, “The cap is a hard cap. Full stop. That loophole is closed.” A Senate staff memo sent to conference commissioners Thursday outlined how the bill gives the NCAA and a new College Sports Commission authority to enforce rules against circumvention.
SEC administrators also worry the bill does not preempt enough state laws or shield the NCAA from legal challenges. “We can't support it in its current form,” one league administrator said.
Iowa AD's concerns about self-governance
With congressional action stalled, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti has floated alternatives: Plan B, a compromise among power conferences to revise the College Sports Commission and revenue-share cap, or Plan C, a self-governance model where leagues create and enforce their own rules.
Goetz, who oversees Iowa's nationally recognized athletics program, warned that self-governance could be unstable. “It's not our first option,” she said. “When you're in a competitive environment, it's really hard to execute self-regulation and enforcement. How do you navigate those waters?”
Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman agreed, calling self-governance a “stopgap” that might last only two or three years while a national solution is pursued.
What happens next for college sports regulation?
Senate Majority Leader John Thune could still file cloture on Monday, potentially scheduling a vote late next week. But the Senate calendar is packed with a spending bill, budget resolution, Russia sanctions, and administrative nominations. If the bill misses next week, it faces long odds when lawmakers return in September amid midterm election campaigning.
A Senate staff member warned that if the Big Ten and SEC “punt to September,” they “will have to find new senators,” signaling that sponsors Cruz, Cantwell, and Schmitt are running out of patience.
Without congressional action, the NCAA and conferences face a patchwork of state laws and ongoing antitrust litigation. The House settlement, which could reshape athlete compensation, remains pending before Judge Claudia Wilken.
For Iowa fans and taxpayers, the outcome matters directly. The Hawkeyes compete in the Big Ten, and any changes to revenue-sharing or NIL rules will affect the program's ability to recruit and retain athletes while managing budgets.
FAQ: What Iowans should know about the college sports bill
What is the Protect College Sports Act?
It is a bipartisan Senate bill that would set a national revenue-sharing cap for college athletes, create a College Sports Commission to enforce rules, and preempt conflicting state laws. It aims to bring order to the chaotic NIL landscape.
Why do the Big Ten and SEC oppose it?
They say the cap does not fully close a loophole allowing schools to use corporate sponsors to exceed the limit. They also want stronger legal protections from antitrust lawsuits and more preemption of state laws.
How would this affect Iowa athletics?
Iowa competes in the Big Ten, so any conference-level rules or federal legislation would directly impact the Hawkeyes' revenue-sharing, NIL deals, and competitive balance with other programs.
What happens if Congress doesn't act?
The conferences may pursue self-governance or a compromise through the College Sports Commission. Without a national standard, schools face a patchwork of state laws and ongoing litigation, creating uncertainty for athletes and programs.
Photo: Yahoo Sports Canada