Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) say they plan to introduce bipartisan legislation to address longstanding disagreements over how college athletics are regulated. According to multiple outlets, the proposed bill is designed to move past a Congressional logjam by setting national standards for NCAA member schools. The measure would regulate player compensation, including how payments are handled under the rules governing college sports. It also would restrict student-athletes’ transfer activity by limiting them to one “free” transfer over their careers. In addition, the bill would include a coach-movement provision commonly referred to as a “Lane Kiffin Rule,” aimed at restricting coaching changes during the season.
One report also notes that the legislation has drawn support from high-profile college football leadership, with Nick Saban backing the proposal. The sponsors frame the bill as a possible path toward landmark, broadly acceptable reform that applies consistently across institutions, while resolving key issues that have been debated for years.
