The U.S. House is advancing legislation that could drastically change the way college sports operate. The Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act aims to set a federal standard for NIL (name, image, and likeness) rights, athlete healthcare, and transparency in college sports. If passed, it would override state-level NIL laws and force the NCAA and universities to comply with national rules.
With a 30–23 vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the bill now moves forward for a full House vote. This is the closest any NIL bill has come to becoming law, and it has the attention of every major player in college sports.
SCORE Act 2025: What the Bill Would Actually Do
Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| NIL Standardization | Applies one rule nationwide, eliminating state-by-state confusion |
| Contract Transparency | Requires clear disclosure of NIL agreements and terms |
| Post-Career Medical Coverage | Offers health coverage for injuries sustained during college (up to 2 years) |
| Education Requirements | Mandates financial literacy and rights education for athletes |
| NCAA Enforcement Power | Allows the NCAA to enforce consistent national NIL rules |
Why the SCORE Act Is Important for Athletes
College athletes have been operating in a fragmented system. Some states allow aggressive NIL compensation, while others have strict limitations. Athletes in states with weak protections are often left behind, or forced to transfer.
The SCORE Act would:
- Guarantee NIL rights across the country
- Help prevent predatory deals by increasing contract transparency
- Give athletes medical support even after their careers end
In short, it puts athlete protections into federal law instead of relying on NCAA suggestions or school-by-school policies.
Why the NCAA Supports the SCORE Act
The NCAA, under pressure for years over its handling of NIL and athlete compensation, is backing the bill. They want a clear national framework, and federal backing, to avoid lawsuits and inconsistent enforcement.
Here’s what NCAA Senior VP Tim Buckley said after the bill advanced:
“Student-athletes have consistently asked for meaningful reform – and today’s hearings are a step toward delivering on that request. The NCAA has made long overdue changes, mandating health and wellness benefits and ushering in a new system for Division I programs to provide up to 50% of athletics department revenue to student-athletes, but some of the most important changes can only come from Congress. This bill reflects many student-athletes’ priorities, and the NCAA is committed to working with Congress on a continued bipartisan path forward that ensures the long-term success of college sports and the ongoing opportunities they provide to young people.”
– Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs
Why Some Lawmakers and States Are Opposed to SCORE Act
Not everyone agrees with the NCAA or the bill’s sponsors. Attorneys General from Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, Colorado, and Ohio have publicly opposed the bill. So have some athlete advocacy groups.
Their arguments:
- The bill gives too much power back to the NCAA
- It could slow progress on more aggressive pay-for-play models
- States should retain the right to set stronger protections if they want
They view the bill as a ceiling on athlete rights, not a floor — and worry it will stall long-term reform.
What’s Next for the SCORE Act?
- The full U.S. House must vote on the bill (date TBD)
- If passed, it moves to the Senate for debate and vote
- If both chambers approve, it goes to the President
Until then, NIL continues to operate under a messy, state-by-state system with few safeguards and no federal guardrails.
