New York Yankees President Randy Levine is urging the House of Representatives to pass the College Sports Protection Act, warning that without federal action, college sports could face even more severe financial difficulties. But critics of the bill say it doesn’t go far enough to protect student-athletes.
In an interview with CNBC’s Michael Ozanian, Levine said the bill would create a $22 million pool for schools to retain their own athletes, as well as an additional $5 million for women’s sports and non-revenue sports. He said the House should act after the bill passes the Senate with 77 votes.
President Donald Trump appointed Levine in February as vice chair of a commission examining college sports reform. The Roundtable on Improving College Sports was created to bring more order to college sports as the landscape of college sports changes dramatically with name, image, and likeness deals and the rise of transfer portals.
“If this bill is not passed, it will never be passed,” Levine said, warning that the Big Ten and SEC could create a “super conference” that functions like the minor leagues.
Levine said features of the bill would also help level the playing field, provide health care and scholarship protections, and support women’s sports and non-revenue sports.
Opponents say the bill denies certain rights and protections to college athletes and provides more money to the NCAA, conferences and schools to “strengthen their resources and power.”
“The so-called College Sports Protection Act actually does little to protect the student-athletes who make this multibillion-dollar industry possible,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a September statement.
MLB labor dispute
Levine also addressed the impending labor negotiations at Major League Baseball, where he serves on the league’s labor committee.
The current collective agreement expires on December 1st, and both sides appear to be bracing for a possible work stoppage.
Asked if there would be a 2027 season, he said, “I don’t know if we’ll reach an agreement,” citing “fundamental differences of opinion.”
Levine said it’s too early and these deals usually don’t close until the end.
“I’m very confident that both sides will do their best to negotiate in good faith and get something done,” he said.
