NCAA President Charlie Baker Calls for Revisions to Protect College Sports Act

NCAA President Charlie Baker responded to the Protect College Sports Act in a letter addressed to member institutions on Wednesday, highlighting the need for revisions to several provisions within the bill. The bipartisan legislation, introduced last week by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), represents a significant moment for the NCAA as it seeks federal guidance amid the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and the transfer portal.

While Baker acknowledged the bill's focus on critical areas such as the transfer portal and coaching movements, he emphasized that “essential” adjustments are necessary to ensure the stability of college athletics. In his communication, Baker stated, “Addressing these areas for improvement will ensure the priorities student-athlete leaders and the NCAA have been championing are comprehensively met.” He promised that the NCAA would collaborate with senators to refine the legislation further.

This letter follows a Senate hearing where notable figures, including former Alabama coach Nick Saban and Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua, provided testimony. Meanwhile, the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) jointly expressed their opposition to the current form of the bill, countering earlier endorsements from the Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Baker, drawing from his past experience as governor of Massachusetts, noted the progress in Congress while asserting that college athletics transcends political divides. “When I started meeting with members of Congress three years ago, I could see a path to a bipartisan deal and now we are even closer,” he wrote. He expressed gratitude for the senators' efforts on behalf of college sports and for the student-athletes advocating for meaningful legislative change.