Why are powerful coaches lobbying so hard for a federal law that could permanently cap student-athlete compensation?

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Powerful coaches are lobbying hard because the bill would restore institutional control over a system that has shifted leverage and money toward athletes. In recent years, court rulings and state NIL laws have allowed players to earn more, transfer more freely, and challenge NCAA rules in court. Many coaches and athletic departments see that environment as unstable: roster turnover is constant, bidding for players has intensified, and budgeting has become harder. The Protect College Sports Act offers what they want most — national rules on NIL, transfers, eligibility and enforcement, plus protection from many antitrust lawsuits that have repeatedly weakened NCAA restrictions. Just as important, the bill would lock in limits that benefit schools and coaches. Reported provisions would cap athlete revenue sharing at roughly 22% of certain school and conference revenue, restrict most athletes to one penalty-free transfer, narrow recruiting windows, and override the patchwork of state NIL laws. Critics say those limits would permanently reduce athletes’ bargaining power while leaving coaching salaries untouched. The politics also reflect who has influence. Sen. Chris Murphy argues coaches, conferences and athletic departments have much better access to lawmakers than players do, and the public campaign around the bill supports that view. High-profile coaches including Nick Saban, Deion Sanders, John Calipari and Mark Few have publicly backed it, while athlete-rights, labor and ci…

Murphy Says Power Five Lobbying Drove Bipartisan Backing for College Sports Bill as ESPN Airs 1 Opponent

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Murphy Says Power Five Lobbying Drove Bipartisan Backing for College Sports Bill as ESPN Airs 1 Opponent

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