Story perspectives

Cruz Calls NIL System a 'Disaster' Amid Chaos

12/31/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) calls the current NIL system a 'disaster' and backs the SCORE Act to regulate NIL deals and shield the NCAA from lawsuits.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian says unregulated agents representing players have worsened recruiting and negotiations.
Texas maintains a large NIL budget despite the transfer portal driving several key departures.
The NCAA awaits congressional action to regulate NIL, leaving coaches navigating a chaotic landscape.

History

Historical Context

The 1984 Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Board of Regents ended the NCAA's control over college football television rights, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. This landmark decision allowed universities to negotiate their own contracts, leading to a surge in NCAA revenue from $2 million in 1984 to over $1 billion by 2021, and setting the stage for today's unregulated NIL system.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) calls the current NIL system a 'disaster' and backs the SCORE Act to regulate NIL deals and shield the NCAA from lawsuits.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian says unregulated agents representing players have worsened recruiting and negotiations.
Texas maintains a large NIL budget despite the transfer portal driving several key departures.
The NCAA awaits congressional action to regulate NIL, leaving coaches navigating a chaotic landscape.

1 / 2