US Pro Sports Unions Oppose NCAA Antitrust Exemption Bill

Players’ associations representing the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS have united in opposition to the proposed Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act, urging Congress to reject any antitrust exemption for the NCAA. They argue that granting such an exemption would allow the NCAA and its member schools to collude against athletes, potentially limiting wages, restricting revenue sharing, and undermining recent progress achieved through antitrust laws. The legislation, which aims to create a national framework for college athlete compensation and NIL rules, would override existing state laws and prevent athletes from being considered employees of schools or conferences. While the Power 5 conferences support the SCORE Act, professional players’ unions warn that the bill would cement the power of wealthier schools and restrict fair competition. Lawmakers from both parties, including Senators Maria Cantwell and Representative Michael Baumgartner, have expressed concerns about the bill’s potential to reinforce existing power imbalances in college sports. The unions emphasize the importance of preserving antitrust protections to ensure college athletes’ rights and future opportunities are safeguarded.