On the same day the House v. NCAA final approval hearing was held, a groundbreaking federal bill was introduced in the House of Representatives, aiming to drastically reshape college athletics. The proposed legislation, H.R. 2663—known as the “Restore College Sports Act”—was introduced by Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and calls for the creation of a new governing body: the American College Sports Association (ACSA).
The ACSA would replace the NCAA and be tasked with overseeing and regulating college sports nationwide. According to the bill, the organization would be led by a commissioner appointed by the President, with Senate approval. The commissioner would serve a four-year term, and the ACSA’s authority would extend to areas like the transfer portal and conference realignment, signaling a major shift in how college sports are managed.
The bill also proposes major changes to how money is handled in college athletics. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds, along with revenue shared directly with schools, would be evenly distributed among all student-athletes at institutions within the ACSA. Additionally, all broadcast revenue would need to be split equally, ensuring a more balanced financial structure across all sports and athletes.
Athlete mobility would also see a major shift. The legislation allows student-athletes to transfer freely without facing penalties or restrictions, offering them greater flexibility and control over their careers. This would eliminate the current system that often places limits on when and how players can switch schools.
Following a chaotic round of conference realignment in recent years, the bill aims to restore regional structure. Under the Restore College Sports Act, athletic conferences would be required to include only schools located within the same time zone. This move is intended to reduce excessive travel and prioritize both the academic and personal well-being of student-athletes.
Coaching salaries are another focus of the bill. As compensation for coaches continues to skyrocket, the legislation would introduce a salary cap. Specifically, a coach’s maximum annual salary could not exceed ten times the full cost of attendance at the institution where they are employed, placing limits on what schools can pay their coaching staffs.
Overall, the Restore College Sports Act presents a sweeping reimagining of the college athletics model—from governance and athlete rights to financial equity and realignment. If passed, it would mark the most significant federal intervention in the history of collegiate sports.
With this proposal, the future of college athletics could look vastly different, shifting power away from long-standing institutions like the NCAA and creating a more centralized, regulated, and athlete-focused system.
The bill was formally introduced in the House of Representatives on Monday and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. The committee is chaired by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), who has previously voiced concerns about the current state of college athletics, especially the financial pressures that rising tuition and fees place on students and institutions.
Meanwhile, the House v. NCAA settlement process is still unfolding. On the same day the bill was introduced, Judge Claudia Wilken presided over a 6.5-hour hearing and encouraged both parties to return next week to continue discussions. As the legal proceedings continue, Capitol Hill has become a central stage for ongoing efforts to reform the college sports system.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has made multiple visits to Washington, D.C., urging lawmakers to pass national legislation to bring structure and consistency to the evolving world of college athletics. His calls for congressional action reflect a growing concern among leaders that a unified approach is needed to handle issues such as NIL, athlete mobility, and financial fairness.
Adding to the momentum, a separate Congressional hearing titled, “Game Changer: the NLRB, Student-Athletes, and the Future of College Sports,” was held the day after the House v. NCAA hearing. It took place before the House subcommittee on health, employment, labor, and pensions, further highlighting the federal government’s growing involvement in college sports policy.
Wednesday will also serve as a symbolic moment for the industry, as it marks College Sports Day on Capitol Hill. Leaders from across the college athletics world—including commissioners, athletic directors, coaches, and student-athletes—will gather in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the future of collegiate sports.
Together, these events illustrate a pivotal moment for college athletics. With both legislative and judicial efforts underway, the landscape is poised for significant change—driven by lawmakers, sports leaders, and athletes all pushing for a more structured and equitable system.
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