POLITICS

Congress Delays SCORE Act Over College-Athlete Compensation Vote

PUBLISHED Dec 3, 2025, 7:46 PM ET

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Congress Delays SCORE Act Over College-Athlete Compensation Vote

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 67%

Right 17%

Sources: 6

WASHINGTON — House Republican leaders pulled Wednesday’s vote on the SCORE Act, a bill that would set a national framework for college-athlete compensation, bar athletes from being classified as employees and grant antitrust protections to the NCAA and conferences. Sponsors include GOP Rep. Gus Bilirakis and Democratic Reps. Janelle Bynum and Shomari Figures; House Republicans co-sponsored. Supporters say the measure codifies rules from last year’s settlement, but a procedural vote this week nearly failed and leaders postponed action as members sought more information. House leadership said it may return to the measure. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Last year: Multibillion-dollar settlement broadened student-athlete compensation rules.
Over the summer: The SCORE Act appeared likely to advance but encountered obstacles.
Earlier this week: A procedural vote to advance the bill nearly failed in the House.
Wednesday: House GOP leadership pulled the SCORE Act from the floor schedule.
Thursday: House leaders said members had questions and postponed action while seeking coalition support.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 67%, Right 17%

Who Benefited

NCAA, major athletic conferences and some college programs could gain clearer legal protections and reduced liability if the bill eventually passes, because the legislation would bar employee classification for student-athletes and provide broad antitrust immunity.

Who Impacted

Student-athletes, athlete advocates and some lawmakers who sought broader labor protections may face diminished bargaining power and fewer legal avenues to challenge conference or NCAA limits on compensation.