What does Preamble of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This bill aims to protect the name, image, and likeness rights of college athletes. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 2, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This bill is formally titled the College Athletics Reform Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Athlete agent” is defined by reference to section 2 of the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act. “Antitrust laws” incorporates definitions from the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. A “college athlete” includes individuals enrolled at an institution and participating in intercollegiate sports, as well as those solicited to enroll for that purpose. “Compensation” encompasses any form of payment or remuneration to a college athlete. A “conference” is defined as an entity with multiple member institutions, arranging competitions, and setting rules. “Image” refers to any visual depiction linked to a college athlete. “Institution” is defined as having the same meaning as “institution of higher education” in the Higher Education Act of 1965. “Intercollegiate athletic association” is an entity setting common rules for intercollegiate sports teams and composed of institutions or conferences in multiple states. “Power Four” specifically refers to the Big Ten, Southeastern, Atlantic Coast, and Big 12 Conferences (or their successors).

What does COLLEGE ATHLETE'S NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS RIGHTS. of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This section establishes rights for college athletes regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL). Intercollegiate athletic associations (IAA), conferences, or institutions may not restrict athletes from receiving compensation for their NIL or take adverse action against them for doing so. Athletes also have the right to obtain professional representation without restriction or penalty. IAAs, conferences, or institutions generally cannot require athletes to disclose the terms of their NIL agreements. NIL agreements with compensation over $600 must be in writing and include specific details, and are voidable if these requirements are not met. The section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify eligibility for F visas for international college athletes and to prevent inadmissibility based on NIL activities. The Federal Trade Commission is empowered to enforce this section, treating violations as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act. State attorneys general can bring civil actions on behalf of state residents to enforce the Act. College athletes can bring private civil actions against IAAs, conferences, or institutions for violations, potentially receiving damages and attorney's fees. This section preempts conflicting state laws, but does not prohibit states from providing more expansive rights to college athletes.

What does REGULATING SPORTS AGENTS. of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This section amends the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act (15 U.S.C. 7801 et seq.) to update regulations regarding sports agents. Amendments to section 3 of the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act include restrictions on fees charged to student-athletes for endorsement contracts (limited to 4% of compensation) and requirements for agent registration with a State and an athletic association. New provisions require agency contracts with student-athletes to include a clause allowing termination after the athlete's enrollment ends. Section 8 of the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act is revised, changing the title from 'Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2000' to 'Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act'. The Federal Trade Commission is directed to conduct a study analyzing the impacts of establishing a program to regulate athlete agents, including funding sources and timelines. The Federal Trade Commission must submit a report to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment, including legislative recommendations regarding the program's establishment and funding.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This section establishes the Commission to Stabilize College Sports within the legislative branch. The Commission will consist of 16 members appointed by congressional committee leadership, with requirements for experience in athletics, law, or related fields. At least two members from each appointing group must have experience in intercollegiate athletics. The Commission's duties include conducting a study on the governance of college athletics, including topics like collective bargaining, Title IX, and revenue sharing. The Commission must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to congressional leaders within two years of a majority of members being appointed. The Commission is authorized to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and accept gifts or donations. The Commission will terminate 90 days after submitting its report. Funding for the Commission will be derived equally from the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What does AMENDING THE SPORTS BROADCASTING ACT. of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This section amends the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. The amendment adds a provision stating that certain laws shall not apply to joint agreements between intercollegiate athletic associations. These agreements involve the sale or transfer of rights related to the televised intercollegiate athletic competitions of member institutions. An 'intercollegiate athletic association' is defined as one with more than 136 member institutions at the time the joint agreement is entered into.

What does EXPANDING ATHLETICS DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS. of College Athletics Reform Act do?

This section amends Section 485(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand disclosure requirements for institutions of higher education regarding their athletic programs. Institutions must now report athletically related student aid, including the number and average amount of scholarships, disaggregated by men's and women's varsity teams. The reporting requirements also include revenues shared directly with athletes, total revenues and expenses, and participation numbers across various sports. Institutions must identify how their athletics program satisfies Title IX compliance. Each institution must submit this information to the Secretary by October 15 of each year and publish it on a public website by February 15 of each year. The Secretary must also make these reports publicly available on the Department's website by February 15 of each year.

Back to bills

College Athletics Reform Act

Last updated: 12/2/2025 · Introduced: 12/2/2025

Author: Lori Trahan (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes athletes' rights to earn compensation from name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities without restriction or penalty from athletic associations, conferences, or institutions.
The bill amends existing laws to regulate sports agents, limiting fees charged to athletes and requiring specific contract clauses, while also directing the Federal Trade Commission to study agent regulation programs.
It creates a Commission to Stabilize College Sports to study governance issues like collective bargaining and revenue sharing, and to submit recommendations to Congress within two years.
The bill amends the Sports Broadcasting Act to exempt certain joint agreements between athletic associations regarding televised competitions from specific laws.
Institutions of higher education must now publicly disclose detailed financial and participation information related to their athletic programs, including athletically related student aid and Title IX compliance.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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