George Kliavkoff releases statement after meeting with Senators about federal NIL legislation

Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff spent his day alongside SEC commissioner Greg Sankey in Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders about the state of NIL. Afterward, he released a statement on how things went.

Kliavkoff and Sankey met with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) Thursday to lobby for federal NIL legislation. Kliavkoff said he was grateful for the opportunity to talk about things and it sounds like conversations will continue about the subject.

Statement from Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff on today’s meetings in Washington: pic.twitter.com/WPwiBJZGsI

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) May 6, 2022

“The Pac-12 greatly appreciates the opportunity to engage in productive conversations with US senators in an effort to create NIL legislation that protects our student-athletes while allowing them to maximize their opportunities,” Kliavkoff stated. “At the same time, we had the opportunity to discuss the very serious negative implications for student-athletes should they be classified as employees. We look forward to continuing this dialogue along with our friends from the SEC and other leaders in college sports.”

More on Greg Sankey, George Kliavkoff’s trip to Washington, D.C.

The two commissioners met with leadership Thursday, and Sankey also released a statement afterward about how things went.

“I appreciate today’s opportunity fo conversation and dialogue with members of Congress,” Sankey said. “As we have observed activity emerge that is very different from original ideas around, Name, Image, and Likeness, it is important we continue to pursue NIL structure to support the thousands of opportunities made available for young people through intercollegiate athletics programs across the country.”

In addition, a Senate aide offered their thoughts to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger. They provided some details about the meeting between Kliavkoff and Sankey with Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Maria Cantell (D-Wash.)

“[The] main takeaway was Congress needs to enact a uniform NIL law that empowers athletes to have NIL rights, establishes safeguards to protect them in NIL market & preserve amateurism in college sports,” the aide said.

The problem, Dellenger wrote, is that federal NIL legislation might not come very quickly. He said “many believe it’s a longshot” to happen this year. Still, there’s a big push for reform regarding NIL and the power the NCAA has. Thursday night, Dellenger reported multiple college leaders, led by Colorado athletic director Rick George, are pushing for new NIL guidance and potential retroactive punishments for recruiting violations.