Senate Panel Advances 19-9 College Sports Bill Against Big Ten and SEC Power
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 22
Senate Panel Advances 19-9 College Sports Bill Against Big Ten and SEC Power
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 22
Summary
A 19-9 Senate Commerce Committee vote pushed the Protect College Sports Act toward a full Senate vote despite objections from the Big Ten and SEC.
The bill reflects backlash against the two richest conferences after years of realignment raids, widening revenue gaps and pressure campaigns over playoff control, tournament expansion and NCAA finances.
Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz cast the measure as a check on concentration of power, with support from the ACC, Big 12 and much of Division I that fear further marginalization.
The legislation could curb the conferences' advantages through rules touching media rights, athlete compensation, transfers and eligibility, though the Big Ten and SEC are seeking changes.
A failed push to reshape the bill has raised the prospect that the two leagues could revisit a breakaway super-league option if Congress advances limits they do not want.