NFL, NBA unions applaud efforts on bill designed to fix college sports in letter obtained by the AP

The NFL Players Association and National Basketball Players Association jointly sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee leaders, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, supporting a recently introduced Senate bill aimed at reforming college sports. The unions specifically backed provisions guaranteeing NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights and providing medical and healthcare benefits for college athletes. The letter, obtained by the AP and dated June 16, 2026, urged continued stakeholder engagement to further strengthen the bill as it moves through Congress.