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Legislators

Former Athletes and Senators Warn Against SCORE Act

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A coalition of former college and professional athletes joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in warning that the SCORE Act would roll back gains made by athletes, leave them vulnerable to exploitation, and shut the door on collective bargaining rights. The virtual press conference, hosted by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), highlighted concerns over the bill's impact on athletes' health, education, and financial stability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SCORE Act would hinder the progress made by athletes in securing their rights, including mental health services, post-participation healthcare, and antitrust exemptions.
  • The bill would silence the voices of athletes who advocate for change, including those from women's and Olympic sports, and impose a cost on current and future athletes.
  • The legislation would consolidate power with the NCAA, private equity, and the two largest divisions (SEC and Big Ten), exacerbating existing financial disparities and inequities in college athletics.
  • Sen. Cantwell stated that the SCORE Act's true objective is to allow the two largest divisions to control TV revenue, rather than protecting athletes' rights.
  • Former athletes, including Spencer Haywood, Dwayne Allen, and Meghann Burke, emphasized the need for federal legislation that empowers athletes, protects their rights, and provides a seat at the table in shaping the future of college sports.

Statistics:

  • The NCAA generates over $1 billion in annual revenue from media rights, with the majority going to the SEC and Big Ten.
  • The SCORE Act would further exacerbate the financial gap between traditional power conferences and other schools, with a reported $400 million gap in media rights payments between the SEC and Big Ten and the rest of Division I.
  • 350+ Division I universities and governing bodies were warned by Sen. Cantwell about the bill's negative impact on college athletics and the potential for unequal treatment of athletes.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
  • National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)
  • National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
  • National Women's Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA)
  • Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA)
  • Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA)
  • National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA)
  • Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) Committee Statement
  • Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) Committee Statement
  • Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) Committee Statement
  • SCORE Act Report, July 2022

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