Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has called for the swift passage of the SCORE Act, describing it as the 'best path forward' for college athletics following a White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Yormark described the meeting as 'very constructive' and said there is 'real momentum' for the legislation, which aims to address the financial challenges posed by name, image and likeness (NIL) payments.
The SCORE Act, which has Trump's support, would grant the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption and override state NIL laws. However, it faces opposition from Democrats who argue it gives too much power to the NCAA and its wealthiest schools. Yormark acknowledged the bill is 'not perfect' but stressed the need for federal action, saying 'it's step by step and you have to sequence these things.'
During the meeting, Trump expressed concern that the current system could drive colleges out of business and said he would draft an executive order on the issue within a week. Yormark noted that the SCORE Act offers 'federal protection' and 'liability protection' to enforce rules, and includes a declaration that student-athletes are not employees—a point he said athletes support.
Despite the bill's backing from House Speaker Mike Johnson, getting it through Congress remains a significant challenge. Yormark remains optimistic, emphasising the need for forward-looking solutions: 'I never look back. I'm not that type of guy. I like to look forward.'
