FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 24th, 2025
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-434
Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Collegiate Sports Integrity Act
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Collegiate Sports Integrity Act, legislation to restore free-market principles to college athletics by exempting intercollegiate athletic conferences, associations, and participating schools from federal antitrust laws.
Antitrust laws have empowered judges—not students, not schools—to dictate the rules of college sports. This bill puts decision-making back where it belongs: in the hands of the people directly involved. By removing these restrictions, the Collegiate Sports Integrity Act allows schools and student-athletes to voluntarily negotiate fair, flexible agreements that reflect their own values—not a federal mandate.
“This is about economic liberty,” said Dr. Rand Paul. “College athletes and schools should be free to come to the table and make their own deals—without unelected judges micromanaging every detail. Whether it’s compensation, eligibility, or academic standards, Washington shouldn’t be calling the plays.”
The Collegiate Sports Integrity Act explicitly exempts intercollegiate athletic conferences, interstate athletic associations, and the colleges competing in them from antitrust liability. This ensures that evolving athletic models—regardless of structure—remain protected and governed by voluntary agreement, not courtroom fiat.
The legislation comes amid growing legal uncertainty following a wave of rulings, including a December 2024 decision striking down NCAA eligibility rules and a June 2025 settlement opening the door to direct payments to athletes. Rather than allowing a patchwork of court-imposed mandates, the bill reasserts the primacy of freedom of contract in higher education athletics.
Read the bill HERE.
###