The SCORE Act and Its Impact on Collegiate Student-Athlete Compensation
Co-authored by: Sam Wexler*
On July 10, 2025, members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the “Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act,” commonly known as the “SCORE Act.” This legislation aims to protect the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights of student-athletes, promote fair compensation in intercollegiate athletics, and address related concerns.
Among its key provisions, the SCORE Act seeks to establish standardized federal regulations for NIL deals, replacing the current “patchwork” of different state-level regulations. The bill also imposes regulations on agents representing student-athletes and mandates that universities provide educational courses and healthcare for former student-athletes for up to three years after graduation. These measures aim to protect student-athletes, better prepare them for success beyond their athletic careers, and rein in the current chaotic landscape of NIL compensation deals.
As student-athlete compensation regulations and laws continue to change, it is important to consult with an attorney well-versed in NIL contracts to ensure your agreement aligns with your best interests and applicable laws and regulations.
*Sam Wexler, a summer law clerk, assisted with this article.
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