Nick Saban backs Senate's Protect College Sports Act amid conference opposition

Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified before the Senate Commerce Committee in support of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, a bill sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell. Saban argued the legislation would restore competitive balance by limiting spending, capping NIL expenditures, and restricting transfers and early coach departures. He warned that unchecked NIL funding could turn college athletics into a “race to the bottom,” threatening non‑revenue sports and scholarships.

The bill would also allow the NCAA to enforce spending caps, let conferences pool television rights, and prevent a potential “super league” breakaway by the SEC and Big Ten. While the ACC, Big 12 and American conferences publicly backed the measure, the SEC and Big Ten released a joint statement expressing reservations, particularly about media‑rights pooling. Other witnesses included Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, Pac‑12 commissioner Teresa Gould, and Utah player Lance Holtzclaw. The Congressional Black Caucus said it would not support the Act until concerns about Black political representation are addressed.

Saban likened the current situation to a “Ferrari heading toward the Grand Canyon” that needs its brakes applied, emphasizing the urgency of federal action to preserve college athletics.