• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Congress’ Latest NIL Hearing

  • Every witness except one agreed that Congress should pass a federal NIL law.
  • The most common issue brought up was that NIL is creating a recruiting imbalance.
Photo: FAU Athletics/Design: Alex Brooks

On Thursday, a House Subcommittee held the first Congressional NIL hearing since rules passed. It’s the sixth hearing total after five took place in the Senate.

Five witnesses spoke: NCAA President Mark Emmert, CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams, Baylor President Linda Livingstone, Washington State golfer Cami March, and one non-NCAA representative: NCPA executive director Ramogi Huma.

The main takeaway? Every witness except one agreed Congress should pass a federal NIL law. Huma said he would only support a law that addresses “broad-based” reforms.

The other four witnesses listed several grievances about the current NIL era that they implored Congress to fix. 

The most common concern was that without a federal law, NIL is contributing to an uneven and unfair recruiting landscape — even though a recruiting arms race existed long before NIL.

They voiced other anxieties, too.

  • Emmert asked for “limited safe harbor protections” against litigation so the NCAA could govern NIL without “endless” lawsuits — aka an antitrust exemption. They’ve been begging for this in court and Congress for years.
  • McWilliams worried that a federal law imposing expensive NIL requirements would cause problems at lower-division schools with small budgets.
  • March said athletes need more education about financial literacy, personal branding, and other NIL-related business matters. 
  • Huma, on the other hand, argued that Congress should be looking at college sports issues beyond NIL, like health standards and sexual assault.

Despite three hours of debate, expect state laws to rule the day for at least a while longer. 

There’s more consensus on NIL in Congress than other national issues — but it still could be months before a law gets passed. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rutgers

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.

Venezuelan Little League Baseball Team Denied Entry Into U.S.

The Cacique Mara Little League team was not allowed into the country.
President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrouds.

Trump Signs Executive Order on College Sports Pay

The order marks Trump’s first foray into legislating college sports compensation.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.
Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort.
exclusive
July 23, 2025

As Other Power Leagues Shy Away From PE, the Big Ten Continues..

Tony Petitti told FOS conversations were ongoing.
July 24, 2025

ACC’s Phillips on FSU, Clemson: ‘It Can Never Be About a School..

The commissioner isn’t worried about more conference realignment.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Bill Belichick
July 23, 2025

UNC Sells Out All Football Tickets for Belichick Debut Season

Consistent drama around Belichick’s first college season has only helped ticket sales.
exclusive
July 23, 2025

Jim Phillips: ACC Cautious With Sports Betting Deals, Not Sold on PE

The conference is implementing new rules about injury reports.
A view of the United States Capitol on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
July 23, 2025

Pro-NCAA Bill Passes Two Markups in Path to House Floor

The bill faces bigger challenges in the Senate.
University of Texas, Arlington
July 23, 2025

UTA Sees Upside in Women’s Flag Football Amid Nationwide Sports Cutting

UTA sees a path in women’s flag football.