Collegiate Sports Integrity Act

The Collegiate Sports Integrity Act would declare an express antitrust exemption for intercollegiate athletic conferences and interstate intercollegiate athletic associations. In practical terms, this means those organized bodies—when coordinating on scheduling, championships, rule-making, governance, and related activities—would not be subject to the federal antitrust laws (as they are defined in the Clayton Act and, for unfair methods of competition, the FTC Act). The bill provides specific definitions of what counts as an intercollegiate athletic conference and an interstate intercollegiate athletic association, including groups composed of two or more higher education institutions that organize or participate in intercollegiate competition and cross-state collaborations. The exemption would not apply to professional sports organizations and is limited to the activities of the defined conference or association. The bill does not create new rights for student-athletes or authorize specific funding or compensation; rather, it shields the organizing bodies themselves from antitrust challenges when they coordinate on governance and competition. If enacted, this could make it easier for conferences and multi-state associations to align on rules, scheduling, revenue-sharing, and other governance matters without risking antitrust liability. Critics may raise concerns about reduced competitive pressure and oversight, while supporters would point to clarity and stability in how college sports are organized.