• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Political Pressure Builds

  • The NCAA’s failures have sparked not just outside concern but also calls for intervention.
  • The NCAA launched an investigation into women’s sports inequality after lawmakers complained. And state legislatures drafted more NIL laws.
Photo: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

The failures have sparked not just outside concern but also calls for intervention.

The NCAA launched an investigation into women’s sports inequality after lawmakers complained. And state legislatures drafted more NIL laws, further pressuring the NCAA to pass its own rules by July.

Women’s Sports Scrutiny

On March 24, 36 House Democrats signed a letter to Emmert demanding that he “review” potential inequities across sports, according to the Washington Post. The letter said the NCAA should “adhere” to Title IX’s “principles” even if the governing body isn’t legally obligated to do so.

The next day, Emmert caved. He announced that the NCAA hired an outside law firm to investigate how resources for all championships have been distributed. He promised a full report this summer.

But the criticism kept coming: On March 29, Blumenthal reached across the aisle to co-author a letter with Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) expressing disgust with the inequities, and calling on the NCAA to “immediately” fix them.

Specifically, the senators took umbrage with testing disparity “that defies explanation and common sense,” the letter read. “It is indefensible that the NCAA would not set the same standards for both tournaments.”

Other groups outside Washington also pressured Emmert. The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics called for an investigation, according to the Washington Post, while the Women’s Basketball Coaching Association launched a campaign called #OurFairShot.

NIL Movement

During the tournaments, state legislatures were busy drafting NIL laws.

During the week of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, for example, Mississippi passed an NIL bill that, similarly to Florida’s, would take effect July 1. The Georgia General Assembly passed a bill that awaits Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature.

Hawkeyes guard and #NotNCAAProperty advocate Jordan Bohannon helped push for an Iowa NIL law to pass. But the bill was stalled because of the pending NCAA v. Alston decision, Bohannon tweeted.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel speaks after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine picked him as lieutenant governor for the remaining two years of his term during a press conference at his office in the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on Feb. 10, 2025.

Former Buckeyes Coach Jim Tressel Nominated for Ohio Lieutenant Governor

The national championship coach hasn’t held public office.
Jan 20, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Seats in Rotunda remain empty ahead of the Inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States.
exclusive

The NCAA Appears No Closer to Getting Its Coveted Congressional Wish List

A flurry of college sports stakeholders spent the week on Capitol Hill.
NCAA flag

NCAA Bans Trans Athletes From Women’s Sports After Trump Order

The move was expected after a Trump executive order.
The NCAA logo on the field in the closing second of the Anderson University inaugural football game with St. Andrew's University on Spero Financial Field at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium at Anderson University in Anderson, S.C. Saturday, September 7, 2024. Anderson won 51-14.

Three Penn Swimmers Sue Ivy League, NCAA Over Trans Participation Policy

The lawsuit’s plaintiffs are requesting class-action status.

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
The NCAA logo on the field in the closing second of the Anderson University inaugural football game with St. Andrew's University on Spero Financial Field at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium at Anderson University in Anderson, S.C. Saturday, September 7, 2024. Anderson won 51-14.

At Least 250 Athletes Have Opted Out of the House v. NCAA..

At least 250 opted out of the settlement, FOS can confirm.
Florida State Seminoles head coach Leonard Hamilton watches his team from the sideline. The Florida State Seminoles hosted the Virginia Tech Hokies for a menÕs basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.
February 3, 2025

FSU’s Leonard Hamilton to Step Down As NIL Lawsuit Unfolds

Six former FSU men’s basketball players sued Hamilton in December.
Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon pressures Oregon State wide receiver Jeremiah Noga as the Oregon State Beavers host the Oregon Ducks Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore.
exclusive
February 4, 2025

ESPN, Fox, CBS All Open to Media Rights Package With Pac-12

One source characterized media rights negotiations as “productive.”
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Oct 26, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (3) celebrates following a tackle during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camp Randall Stadium.
January 31, 2025

Another Lawsuit Seeks to Challenge the NCAA’s Eligibility Clock

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia recently sued the NCAA over similar eligibility standards.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
Western Oregon women's basketball players allege abuse.
January 30, 2025

Western Oregon Women’s Basketball Players File $28 Million Lawsuit Claiming Coach Abuse

Players say school officials ignored their complaints of physical abuse and bullying.
Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Colorado linebacker LaVonta Bentley (20) during gets set at his position during the 1st quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
January 30, 2025

House v. NCAA Objections Highlight Three Major Concerns

It’s not all smooth sailing into college sports’ revenue-sharing era.