• D3Lacrosse.net
  • Posts
  • SAFE Act vs. SCORE Act: Why a Federal Bill for College Athletics is Unlikely

SAFE Act vs. SCORE Act: Why a Federal Bill for College Athletics is Unlikely

Reconciling them in a unified federal bill that could ultimately become law seems unlikely

Author

Steve Ulrich
October 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes

In partnership with

OCTOBER 17, 2025 | composed by STEVE ULRICH
We cover DIII lacrosse like no other publication. #d3lax #whyD3

🥍 Fall Ball. Ready for the weekend.

🗞️ In Today’s Edition. Why a Federal Bill for College Athletics is Unlikely. DIII To Take Part In Streaming Initiative For Championships. WIAC To Implement Pay-Per-View For Championships & Tournaments. What Is The NPI?

✅ Support our work. Subscribe for free today at D3Lacrosse.net.

TOP STORY

1. SAFE Act vs. SCORE Act: Why a Federal Bill for College Athletics is Unlikely

“Could the NCAA, student-athletes, broadcast networks, agents and Congress all come together and reach a compromise that makes everyone happy? As things stand now, a calm, reasoned discussion between Dan Hurley and the officials seems more likely.

Senate Democrats Maria Cantwell (Wash.), Cory Booker (N.J.), and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) introduced the Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement (“SAFE”) Act in late September 2025. Their bill comes as a direct counter to the SCORE Act (Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements), which moved through a House subcommittee over the summer but has since stalled out. Because the two proposals reflect diametrically opposed visions for college athletics, reconciling them in a unified federal bill that could ultimately become law seems unlikely.”

» Driving The News. “While the SCORE Act has support from the NCAA and major conferences like the SEC, the SAFE Act is preferred by labor groups along with athlete-centric organizations like Athletes.org.”

» DYK. “Another provision of the SAFE Act would prohibit broadcast networks from putting football and basketball games behind a paywall and instead require the games to be available on a non-exclusive basis on a local broadcast outlet. The networks would also have to give media some rights back to schools if they weren’t using those rights to also broadcast women’s and Olympic sports.”

» Yes, But. “Although the SCORE Act would also provide a national standard that would override the patchwork of state laws and would codify the House settlement, many of its key provisions are aimed at protecting the NCAA’s interests.”

» Be Smart. “Because the two bills are diametrically opposed in so many key ways, passing one would require the other side to make a compromise that completely abandons its central position.” (Hoops HQ)

A MESSAGE FROM MOOD GUMMIES

For years, buying cannabis meant taking a trip to a dispensary, dealing with long lines, limited selection, and inconsistent pricing. But thanks to changing laws and innovative online retailers, buying high-quality THC products is now 100% federally legal—and more convenient than ever.

And when it comes to quality and reliability, Mood is leading the way…

Because they’ve completely flipped the script on cannabis shopping. Instead of memorizing hundreds of confusing strain names – like “Gorilla Glue” and "Purple Monkey Breath" – you simply choose how you want to feel: Creative, Social, Focused, Relaxed, Happy, Aroused, and more.

Each gummy is formulated with the perfect blend of Delta-9 THC and botanicals to deliver the perfect mood.

Want a great night’s sleep? Try the Sleepytime gummies. Need laser focus Mind Magic gummies have you covered. Hotter sex? Try the Sexual Euphoria gummies.

It's cannabis shopping that actually makes sense for “normal” people.

2. Division III To Take Part In Streaming Initiative For Championships

“Divisions II and III will livestream more than 1,200 championship games free to fans for the 2025-26 academic year. This streaming initiative will enhance the visibility and accessibility of Division II and III championships.

Through a partnership with Hudl and TNT Sports, all rounds of team championships not already covered by existing ESPN or CBS agreements will be streamed free of charge on a centralized platform powered by Hudl. Fans will be able to watch these games via ncaa.com/champs-pass and the NCAA Championships Pass app, available on smart TVs.”

» Quotable. "Hudl's mission is to make sport more accessible and meaningful for teams, athletes and their communities," said Mark Krug, senior director of elite fan partnerships at Hudl. "By livestreaming NCAA Division II and Division III championships, families, alumni and fans will get direct access to the moments that matter most, while helping student-athletes gain the visibility and recognition they deserve. Through this partnership, we are proud to elevate the visibility of these competitions and celebrate the hard work of these programs nationwide."

» The Key Stat. “Division II joins the partnership following the success of Division III's streaming initiative, which attracted over 2.3 million viewers and generated more than 45.8 million minutes of viewing in 2024-25.” (NCAA) 

A MESSAGE FROM 1440 MEDIA

Daily News for Curious Minds

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 4 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.

3. WIAC To Implement Pay-Per-View For Championships & Tournaments

“The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) will implement pay-per-view for its conference championships and tournaments on a trial basis during the 2025-26 academic year.

Championships and tournaments that will include a pay-per-view model on the WIAC Network (wiacnetwork.com), include all rounds of women’s lacrosse.”

» Quotable. “The WIAC has the best fan support in NCAA Division III, with thousands streaming our contests every week,” said WIAC Commissioner Danielle Harris. “By adding a nominal fee during post-season competition, we can continue to offer first-class championship experiences that our student-athletes and our fans expect and deserve. Additionally, regular season contests will continue to be free of charge.” (WIAC)

4. What Is The NPI?

5. Lightning Round

» Honors. The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Assistant Coach Award, recognizing exceptional assistant coaches across all three NCAA divisions, including Nicky Clauter of York College of Pennsylvania.”

» Endowment. “Colby will create its first named varsity assistant coaching position in women’s athletics thanks to a generous donation to the Dare Northward campaign. With a $1-million gift from Trustee Emeritus Rick McVey, the McVey Family Women’s Lacrosse Fund will create and support the endowed coaching position for women’s lacrosse. In recognition, Colby will name the assistant women’s lacrosse coach in honor of the McVey family as the McVey Family Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach."

6. Comings and Goings 


Want your transaction listed here? Email us at [email protected]

📬️ Thanks for spending part of your day with us.
Would you recommend us to a friend?