H.R.2688 - Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2688, the Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act of 2025, aims to prevent student athletes from being classified as employees of institutions, conferences, or associations based solely on their participation in intercollegiate athletics. The bill defines key terms such as 'association,' 'conference,' 'institution,' and 'student athlete' to clarify its scope. It seeks to establish a legal precedent that participation in varsity intercollegiate athletics does not automatically constitute employment.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would prevent student athletes from gaining employee status, impacting their ability to unionize or receive employment benefits. This could affect ongoing legal battles and future regulations concerning student athlete compensation and rights. The bill aims to maintain the amateur status of college athletics.
Potential Benefits
- Preserves the traditional amateur model of college athletics.
- Reduces potential financial burdens on institutions related to employee benefits and compliance.
- Provides clarity and consistency across federal and state laws regarding student athlete status.
- May encourage institutions to invest more in athletic programs rather than employee-related costs.
- Could protect smaller athletic programs that might struggle with the financial implications of treating athletes as employees.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Limits potential economic benefits and protections for student athletes.
- Could exacerbate existing power imbalances between institutions and athletes.
- May face legal challenges based on labor law principles.
- Could discourage athletes from pursuing legal action to gain employee status and related rights.
- May not address concerns about fair compensation for student athletes who generate significant revenue for their institutions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has broad authority to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause), which could be used to justify federal regulation of intercollegiate athletics. However, the bill could be challenged on equal protection grounds under the Fourteenth Amendment if it is argued that student athletes are being unfairly denied employee status compared to other individuals performing similar services. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and state laws regarding employment could be affected.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).