Full Breakdown
Brett Yormark Advocates for SCORE Act Following Meeting with Trump
3/11/2026, 12:29:40 AM
Meeting Highlights and Legislative Focus
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark described his recent meeting with President Donald Trump and other NCAA officials as “very constructive.” The discussion centered on the challenges facing college athletics, particularly the financial implications of name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments for athletes. Yormark emphasized that the SCORE Act, which has Trump's backing, represents a viable path forward for addressing these issues. The legislation aims to provide the NCAA with a limited antitrust exemption and preempt state laws regarding NIL, although it faces opposition from many Democrats who view it as overly favorable to the NCAA and its wealthier member institutions.
The SCORE Act: Key Provisions and Support
Yormark articulated that the SCORE Act offers essential protections for student-athletes and institutions alike. He noted that it includes federal protections and liability safeguards, which would help enforce rules that are currently not being upheld. “It has great student-athlete protections. It has a strong declaration that student-athletes are not employees,” Yormark stated, reflecting the sentiments of many athletes who prefer not to be classified as employees. Despite its potential benefits, Yormark acknowledged that the SCORE Act is not without flaws and that it is a step in a longer process of reform.
Trump's Role and Future Actions
During the meeting, Trump expressed his concern over the financial sustainability of college sports, particularly how high-revenue sports might jeopardize smaller programs and women's athletics. He indicated that the current trajectory could lead to institutional insolvency due to escalating athlete compensation. Trump also announced plans to draft an executive order to support the SCORE Act, underscoring the urgency of the situation amid other national issues.
Criticism and Opposition
While the SCORE Act has garnered support from various stakeholders, it has also faced criticism. Opponents argue that it primarily benefits the NCAA and its most powerful schools at the expense of smaller programs. The debate surrounding the SCORE Act has intensified, particularly as it competes with the SAFE Act, which has not gained sufficient traction in Congress.
Conflicting Reports and Legislative Challenges
Despite the momentum Yormark perceives for the SCORE Act, its passage through Congress remains uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested that the bill could gain enough support to advance, but significant hurdles remain. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader struggle within college athletics to balance financial viability with equitable treatment of all sports and athletes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Coming out of that meeting,” Yormark said, “I think there's real momentum for the SCORE Act, and we need it.” — Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner
- “The whole educational system is going to go out of business because of this,” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “it offers federal protection. It offers liability protection, so we can enforce the rules, which we aren't currently doing. It has great student-athlete protections. It has a strong declaration that student-athletes are not employees; I meet with a lot of student-athletes and none of them want to be employees.” — Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner
As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, the outcome of the SCORE Act and its implications for the future of sports at the collegiate level remain to be seen.
