Senators re-introduce NCAA Accountability Act to enable enforcement

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) re-introduced the bipartisan NCAA Accountability Act on Wednesday, which would establish a due process with investigations and enable enforcement. The bill has previously been introduced twice, most recently in February 2024 in the wake of the NCAA launching an investigation into Tennessee athletics for multiple alleged potential NIL violations.

The 10-page bill would require the NCAA to complete any investigation no later than one year after it begins and authorize the U.S. Department of Justice to order the removal of any member on the governing body’s board of governors.

“The NCAA has an unacceptable history of backroom deliberations that unfairly punish athletes, coaches, and universities, and we must ensure student athletes who work their entire lives to compete at the college level are not bogged down by inconsistent investigations conducted by an organization that continues to move the goal post,” Blackburn said in a statement.

“The NCAA Accountability Act would make the NCAA more accountable by ensuring the organization’s expectations for rule violations are consistent and fair. As the nation’s sports fans tune into the Big Dance, Congress should pass this legislation to protect our athletes and universities.”

Blackburn and Booker first introduced the legislation in March 2022. Both have been outspoken in recent years about their contempt for the NCAA. The re-introduction of the NCAA Accountability Act comes as the House v. NCAA settlement goes in front of a judge for final approval next month.

The bill would prohibit the NCAA from using “confidential sources” as evidence for a decision. Member institutions would have the right to resolve disputes with the NCAA through arbitration with a three-person arbitration panel.

Similar to past drafts, the NCAA would be required to submit an annual report to the U.S. attorney general and each state attorney general that summarizes enforcement proceedings, investigations and issuances of punishments.

The Department of Justice would also have the authority to fine the NCAA between $10,000 and $15 million and order the removal of any member of the governing body.

“College athletes, coaches, and universities deserve clear, consistent procedures during investigations of potential rule violations,” Booker said. “This legislation is an important step toward ensuring fairness, transparency, and due process — and will help strengthen trust in college athletics.”