Nick Saban sends ‘arm’s race’ warning on college football’s NIL problem

In a hearing before several senators in Washington, D.C., Nick Saban was open about his disapproval of the current state of NIL in college football. Saban spoke before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing alongside other college football stakeholders who are expressing their support for the Protect College Sports Act.

The Protect College Sports Act, introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Marsha Blackburn following negotiations with lawmakers from both parties, would grant the NCAA limited antitrust protection to enforce key policies. The proposal would allow restrictions on penalty-free transfers, cap eligibility at five years, bar former professionals from competing in college sports, and prevent schools from hiring coaches away from other programs during their active seasons.

Amid his support, Saban weighed in on how he believes that college football has become an arms race with current NIL regulation.

“It’s become an arm race. Who spends the most has got the best chance to win. But I think it’s a race to the bottom because if you don’t spend to win, you lose your fan base and you don’t have any revenue.”

Saban did say that the bill has its flaws and likely needs changes, but he still threw his support behind it as a stopgap for what he believes are the issues plaguing the sport.

“I think it should be nonpartisan. It’s that important in terms of college athletics, in terms of the future for young people. It protects athletes, it protects opportunity, it protects competitive balance, it protects the sports that do not always generate revenue but still matter. It gives college athletes a chance to move forward with rules that are clear, national and enforceable. For these reasons, I support the College Sports Act, and urge Congress to act.”

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