The collegiate athletics bill rolled out with support from Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Eric Schmitt of Missouri and Democrat Maria Cantwell of Washington. It would need 60 votes in the Senate to pass, likely all or most of the chamber’s 53 Republicans and seven or more of its Democrats.
The bill’s backers say the legislation would protect name, image and likeness earnings for players, keep in place the current revenue framework from the House settlement, and prevent athletes from predatory NIL and recruiting deals.
Murphy said he’s not sure yet whether the Senate’s bill could clear a filibuster, but he’s concerned that the bill seeks to “micromanage” college sports by delving so deeply into TV rights and compensation; it also limits transfers and eligibility to curb roster turnover. He said he was surprised the legislation doesn’t loosen the rule that forces college football players to wait three years to play in the NFL after they graduate high school.
“At first blush, this does not look like a bill that’s good for athletes or the sport in general,” Murphy said. “This does not look like the product we need. … This bill certainly would need some major changes.”
