Yankees President Randy Levine pushes college sports bill, discusses MLB labor negotiations

Yankees president Randy Levine is urging the US House to pass the Protect College Sports Act, saying federal action is needed to prevent further financial strain and fragmentation in college athletics. He warned that without the bill, the Big Ten and SEC could create a “super conference” operating like a minor league.

Levine said the measure would set aside $22 million for schools to retain their players and another $5 million for women’s and non-revenue sports, as well as provide health-care and scholarship protections. It passed the Senate by 77 votes, but critics, including NAACP president Derrick Johnson, argue it does too little for athletes and could concentrate money and power among the NCAA, conferences and schools.