Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, has long been known to be working on a piece of federal legislation aimed at addressing NIL in the current state of college athletics.
A day after three U.S. Senators released a bipartisan NIL discussion draft, a source has provided On3 with a draft of Cruz’s legislation. The bill, dated July 3, does not have a title yet but would nearly check off every item on NCAA President Charlie Baker‘s wishlist.
Along with a section focused on liability – all but granting the NCAA an antitrust exemption – the proposed legislation states athletes are not employees and includes a state law preemption. The proposed bill ensures states are barred from enacting laws on compensation, employment status, athlete eligibility or NIL.
It’s a surprising move, especially in the context of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott – also a Republican – signing an advantageous state NIL law last month. The new Texas state law was also crafted with significant feedback from both Texas and Texas A&M athletic officials. Additionally, in recent months, a wave of advantageous state NIL laws has been enacted. Texas joins a list that includes Missouri, New York and Oklahoma. The legislation specifically bars the NCAA and conferences from taking action against institutions for NIL activities.
Earlier this week at SEC Football Media Days, Commissioner Greg Sankey bemoaned the need for a federal mandate. He repeatedly mentioned athletes deserve better. Those same state bills also give...
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