Lynchburg Reporter

Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) has introduced the Protecting Student Athlete’s Economic Freedom Act, a bill stating that student athletes should not be considered employees of their institutions, conferences, or associations. The proposed legislation aims to maintain the integrity of collegiate sports and safeguard educational opportunities for student athletes.

“As a former college athlete, I strongly believe America’s long tradition of college sports should not be ruined by reclassifying student athletes as employees, or moving to unionization,” said Rep. Good. “My legislation will help maintain a balance between athletics and academics, ensuring that college sports programs remain viable, beneficial, and enjoyable for all student athletes."

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) expressed her support: “Student athletes should not be and have never before been considered employees. The NLRB’s rampant politicization of this issue threatens the integrity of college sports and countless student athletes across the nation. I’m proud to support Rep. Good’s Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act that would shield student athletes from misguided unionization efforts on their campuses.”

The commissioners from four HBCU athletic conferences—Anthony Holloman (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), Charles McClelland (Southwestern Athletic Conference), Jacqie McWilliams (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), and Sonja Stills (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)—also endorsed the bill. They stated: “Recent legal and legislative threats are putting opportunities for our predominantly Black students at risk... The Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act addresses the concerns of our unique communities.”

Cody Shimp, former Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Chair at St. Bonaventure University, supported the bill: “This bill corresponds with the requests of Division 1 SAAC and student athletes across the country. Not only does this bill protect college athletes, but it safeguards the enterprise of college sports.”

Dani Mabry from Rockhurst University emphasized how classifying student athletes as employees could alter their experience: "Division II operates on the model of 'life in the balance.' Classifying student-athletes as employees would significantly change this experience."

Langan from Cornell College also weighed in on behalf of Division III: “Division III cannot afford to have their student-athletes be employees... This would reduce almost all Division III sports to club athletics while negatively impacting student-athletes with unwanted stresses that come with employment.”

The bill has garnered ten cosponsors including Reps. Foxx (NC-05), Owens (UT-04), Burlison (MO-07), Ogles (TN-05), Walberg (MI-05), Allen (GA-12), Kelly (PA-16), LaMalfa (CA-01), Miller (IL-16), Aderholt (AL-04).

Rep. Good's initiative follows significant legal battles such as NCAA v. Alston which allowed college athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness rights. Recent NLRB rulings have recognized some collegiate athletes as employees eligible to unionize.

Supporters argue that forcing schools to consider student-athletes as employees could financially strain institutions due to potential salary obligations, additional insurance coverage requirements, and increased administrative responsibilities.