Following days of negotiations, the two power conferences announced their support for the bipartisan Senate bill, breathing new life into legislation designed to establish a national framework for college athletics. Shortly after the announcement, Campbell took to social media to celebrate what he called a “major breakthrough.”
“The support of the Big Ten and SEC conferences for the Protect College Sports Act is a major breakthrough that moves us closer to a Senate vote — and a better future for college athletes in all sports, universities and fans nationwide,” Campbell wrote.
Campbell also credited Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, NCAA President Charlie Baker, conference leaders and President Donald Trump for helping move negotiations forward after what had appeared to be a deadlock earlier in the week.
The support of the @bigten and @SEC conferences for the Protect College Sports Act is a major breakthrough that moves us closer to a Senate vote — and a better future for college athletes in all sports, universities and fans nationwide. This wouldn’t have happened without the…
The Texas Tech regent has become one of the most influential figures in shaping college athletics policy over the past year, frequently advocating for federal legislation to bring consistency to the rapidly changing landscape of NIL, revenue sharing and athlete compensation.
The latest version of the Protect College Sports Act reportedly includes changes that helped earn the support of the SEC and Big Ten after concerns over third-party NIL deals and athlete compensation. While the legislation still faces hurdles in Congress, Friday’s agreement significantly improves its chances of advancing before lawmakers leave Washington for their summer recess.
For the Big 12, Campbell’s public role in the negotiations is notable. As one of the conference’s most prominent voices off the field, he has helped ensure the league has a seat at the table during one of the most consequential discussions in modern college sports.
Whether the bill ultimately becomes law remains to be seen. But after months of uncertainty, Campbell made one thing clear Friday night: he believes college athletics is closer than it has been in years to establishing a long-term framework for the future.
