House Floor·Last action 167 days ago

SCORE Act: National NIL rules, athlete benefits, and new authority for college sports bodies

Officially: SCORE Act

Sets federal rules for college athletes’ NIL deals, agent disclosures, and certain school-provided benefits. Gives interstate college sports associations broad rulemaking power with a limited antitrust shield and overrides conflicting state laws.

Where it stands

floor_pending · Hearing Tue, May 19

In 2 days. Members are taking positions right now.

What this bill actually does

If a NIL deal is worth more than $600, it has to be in a written contract that spells out the services, pay, length, how it can end, and gives the athlete a right to cancel starting six months after they leave college.
Schools, conferences, and interstate college sports associations generally can’t stop an athlete from signing a NIL deal, but they can block a deal that involves “prohibited compensation” or that breaks school conduct rules or an existing school contract.
“Prohibited compensation” covers certain booster- or major-donor-style payments unless they’re real market-rate business deals, and it also covers school-paid (or school-arranged) payments that would push total compensation above the association’s pool limit for that school.

↓ Why your message matters here

Members are still deciding how to vote — and what they hear from constituents in these final days is what tips undecided ones.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Uniformity Across States: Supporters argue that a national standard ends the confusion caused by different state laws, making it easier for athletes and schools to comply.
Athlete Rights: The bill protects athletes' rights to earn money from their NIL, aligning with modern practices and ensuring they are not exploited.
Preservation of College Sports: By not classifying athletes as employees, the bill maintains the current structure of college sports, avoiding potential financial strain on non-revenue sports.

✕Arguments against

State Law Preemption: Critics argue that overriding state laws could weaken stronger protections that some states have enacted for athletes.
Employment Status Concerns: Opponents believe that not recognizing athletes as employees denies them fair compensation and the right to unionize.
NCAA Power: Some worry that the bill reinforces the NCAA's authority, potentially limiting athletes' leverage in negotiations.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

Latest: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 226. (9/11/2025)

SEP 11

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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SCORE Act: National NIL rules, athlete benefits, and new authority for college sports bodies

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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