NCAA leader hopeful Senate bill will curb legal battles and reshape college sports

In an interview, NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed confidence that the Senate will approve a bipartisan college-sports bill designed to cut the NCAA’s legal expenses and provide clearer regulatory guidance. The proposal would prohibit professional athletes from competing, tighten eligibility and transfer rules, limit some conference realignments, and increase the cap on schools’ spending to retain athletes. Baker referenced a recent court decision allowing former Purdue basketball player Trey Kaufman-Renn an additional year of eligibility as evidence of the current legal confusion.

He highlighted bipartisan backing from figures such as Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell and Chris Coons, while acknowledging opposition from senators including Cory Booker, Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal. The bill aims to replace ad-hoc litigation with a stable federal framework, which Baker believes will benefit the $14 billion-plus college-sports economy. He stressed that the NCAA would rather spend money on championships and athlete benefits than on lawyers.