In a recent panel discussion, Senator Ted Cruz expressed his belief that there is a 50-50 chance of Congress passing legislation to provide antitrust protection and regulation to college athletics in the United States by the end of the year. Cruz, a Republican from Texas, revised his previous estimate of 60-40 from last fall, acknowledging that time is running out for a bill to be passed before the November election.

Cruz emphasized that while there is still an opportunity to achieve bipartisan agreement, there has been difficulty in getting all stakeholders to come to the table and sign off on the proposed legislation. He noted the pressing nature of the situation, stating that "the clock is running" and emphasized the need to resolve issues surrounding compensation for athletes' names, images, and likenesses. Cruz aims to provide the NCAA and conferences the authority to govern college sports effectively without the constant threat of lawsuits and state laws undermining their power.

While not an official hearing, Cruz's roundtable discussion with former Alabama coach Nick Saban, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips, and Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne garnered significant attention. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) were also present at the gathering, with Moran urging stakeholders to provide feedback and help close the gap to get the bill passed.

The hearing coincided with the 12th hearing on college sports on Capitol Hill since 2020, conducted by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The ongoing discussions in Congress highlight the growing concerns and complexities surrounding college athletics and the need for standardized regulations.

The current landscape, marked by the recent introduction of NIL (name, image, and likeness) funds and looser transfer rules, prompted Nick Saban, who led Alabama football to six national titles, to announce his retirement at the age of 72. Saban expressed his disappointment, stating that college athletics should prioritize the spirit of competition rather than financial gains.

Various entities participated in the roundtable, including NIL attorney Darren Heitner, Collective Association president Russell White, and current women's college basketball player Haley Cavinder, along with her former-player sister Hanna. Senators also voiced their concerns, with Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) stating his belief that the current status quo could harm student-athletes.

The NCAA President, Charlie Baker, has previously encouraged member institutions to take autonomous action and proposed a new tier of Division I that would require schools to compensate athletes. Additionally, the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference, the wealthiest conferences, have formed a joint advisory committee to address the challenges facing college sports.

Cruz's preference lies in empowering the NCAA to regulate college athletics rather than introducing a new government or quasi-government agency. He stressed the urgency to pass comprehensive legislation to address the current "Wild West" state of college athletics and alleviate the confusion surrounding compensating student-athletes.

While debates continue, Dartmouth men's basketball players recently voted to join a union, and antitrust lawsuits challenging NCAA compensation caps and athlete employment status are ongoing. The NCAA and Power Five conferences have spent approximately $2.97 million on lobbying efforts in 2023.

Given the current state of college sports, many stakeholders, including Cruz and his colleagues, share the sentiment that action needs to be taken soon to address the concerns and uncertainties. The hope is to achieve a bipartisan agreement and pass necessary legislation before the end of the year. As Moran aptly expressed, "We're close, and we need to get it done."