• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Senate Hearings Highlight Tensions Over NIL Bill

  • Witnesses agreed that athletes should get NIL rights, and almost all expressed support for a federal law.
  • But there was controversy over how restrictive the bill should be, and whether it should also address other glaring NCAA failures.
Design: Alex Brooks/Front Office Sports

The Senate Commerce Committee has held two NIL hearings over the past eight days — two weeks before six state laws take effect to restore rights for college athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness. 

Witnesses agreed at both hearings that athletes should get NIL rights, and almost all expressed support for a federal law.

But two points of contention emerged. How many restrictions should a federal NIL bill have? And should a federal bill also address other glaring issues, like gender inequities and a lack of health and safety guideline enforcement?

If lawmakers can’t agree, a federal bill may be stalled.

If that happens, college athletes in many states won’t be able to earn NIL compensation. Some athletes, from FBS football players to women’s volleyball players, could earn more than $100,000 annually, according to multiple valuations.

In addition, the unequal recruiting playing field will be exacerbated, and athletes will risk violating NCAA rules in following their own state NIL laws.

Last week’s hearing featured NCAA president Mark Emmert, school administrators, and sports lawyers. While topics like inequities and healthcare came up, last week’s hearing mostly centered around how an NIL bill could or should look.

Thursday’s hearing included current and former athletes, and Martin McNair, the father of late Maryland football player Jordan McNair. This hearing made it clear that athletes want more than NIL rights — they also want the NCAA to be held accountable for failures in athlete health and safety, and gender and race inequities.

Witnesses on Thursday also endorsed the College Athlete Bill of Rights, which goes far beyond NIL rights.

“I think it’s all tied together,” former Georgetown basketball player Sari Cureton said of the issues on the table. “It is our bodies that have built this industry.”

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.