Schmitt Statement on Big Ten and SEC Endorsing Bipartisan College Sports Deal

Schmitt, Cantwell, Cruz Secure Support of SEC and Big Ten U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) issued the following statement after working with Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to secure the support of the SEC and Big Ten on Friday evening for the Protect College Sports Act . Their support comes after weeks of negotiations between the senators and the major conferences. “College sports are in complete chaos due to unlimited transfers, a lack of eligibility rules, and an unsustainable arms race that will mean fewer teams, scholarships, and opportunities for athletes. Over the past several months, and throughout this Congress, we’ve worked extensively with athletes, coaches, and conferences to draft legislation that will protect college sports for future generations. I was proud to work with Senators Cruz and Cantwell to establish common-sense guardrails that protect opportunities for athletes, help universities generate new revenue, and bring stability to the NIL marketplace. I encourage my Senate colleagues to pass this bill immediately to ensure college sports can thrive for generations to come,” said Senator Schmitt. Senator Schmitt is an original co-sponsor of the Protect College Sports Act. In June, Schmitt discussed Congress’ role in saving college sports and cheered the bill’s passage out of the Senate Commerce Committee. Read more about Schmitt’s work to address the issues facing college sports HERE . ###