You Won't Believe What U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan's Shocking New College Sports Bill Could Mean for Your Favorite Teams!

U.S. Representative Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) is spearheading legislative change in the world of college athletics with the introduction of the College Athletics Reform Act (CARA). This significant bill aims to establish a federal policy for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, create a bipartisan commission for governance recommendations, and amend the Sports Broadcasting Act to better serve all collegiate athletes.

The timing of Trahan's proposal comes as Capitol Hill gears up for an intense week of discussions regarding college sports legislation. Another bill, the SCORE Act, is poised for a vote in the House as early as Wednesday. While the SCORE Act is expected to face challenges in the Senate, its introduction could ignite further bipartisan discussions around crucial issues affecting college athletics.

CARA aims to codify regulations for agents, implementing both government and private enforcement mechanisms. A particularly notable aspect of the bill is its provision to close the international athlete loophole, ensuring that all athletes can exercise the same rights when it comes to NIL compensation. This is an essential step in creating a more level playing field in college sports, where disparities often exist.

Moreover, the proposed legislation seeks to create a new body, the Commission to Stabilize College Sports, which will have a two-year mandate to devise recommendations for a governance model. This commission will not only focus on NIL rights but will also review the current state of Title IX—legislation that mandates equal opportunities for women in sports—and explore innovative ways to distribute new revenues across athletic programs.

Changes to the Sports Broadcasting Act are also on the table, allowing colleges to pool media rights. This shift is especially critical for non-Power Two schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as it aims to strengthen their financial footing and ensure that resources are available for women’s sports and Olympic programs. By allowing these institutions to leverage media rights collectively, CARA could significantly alter the financial landscape of college athletics.

The implications of these legislative efforts are vast. With increasing attention on how athletes are compensated and treated within the collegiate sports system, CARA represents a proactive approach to address long-standing inequities. As the dynamics of college athletics evolve—particularly with the advent of NIL rights—the need for comprehensive governance and fair policy has never been more pressing.

In the coming days, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill as discussions unfold. The intersection of policy and college sports not only affects athletes but also has broader implications for schools, fans, and the future of collegiate athletics in America. As Trahan’s bill takes shape, it could pave the way for a new era in which fairness and equity are prioritized alongside competition and entertainment.