Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement Act

The Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement Act would create a comprehensive federal framework for college athletics. If enacted, it would establish several key protections for student athletes: granting student athletes a new federal right to their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and replacing the patchwork of state laws with a strong national NIL standard. The bill would also establish a 10-year scholarship guarantee, provide 5 years of post-eligibility medical coverage for sports-related injuries at Division 1 schools, and establish safety standards for heat exertion, brain injury, sickle cell trait and asthma enforced by independent officers.

The legislation would also address revenue and competition issues. It would allow colleges and universities to lawfully negotiate their media rights as a group to increase their value without violating antitrust laws by amending the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 to include college sports. Additionally, the bill requires agents to register with a state and abide by clear contract requirements, including a 5 percent cap on fees. The bill would establish an Office of Athlete Ombuds at the NCAA to provide independent information and advice to student athletes and assist them to resolve disputes with schools and conferences. The bill is currently under committee consideration and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.