Senator Raises Concerns Over Potential Divide in College Sports Due to SCORE Act

August 25, 2025 - 23:46

A Democratic U.S. Senator has issued a warning regarding the implications of the proposed SCORE Act, which aims to regulate college sports. In a letter addressed to leaders of over 350 Division I schools, Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington cautioned that the legislation could lead to a two-tier system within college athletics, creating significant disparities between institutions.

Sen. Cantwell, who serves as the ranking member of the committee overseeing college sports, expressed her concerns that the SCORE Act would primarily benefit the so-called "Power 2" conferences, namely the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. She argues that this would foster inequities, leaving smaller and mid-sized schools at a disadvantage.

The Power 2 conferences currently hold substantial influence over decisions affecting the future of the College Football Playoff, which is bolstered by a lucrative $7.8 billion media-rights deal. This financial power underscores the potential consequences of the SCORE Act if it passes without amendments, raising alarms about the future landscape of college athletics.