House Democrats Press NCAA on Protecting Female Athletes’ Interests

In a notable push to tackle gender gaps in college sports, ten Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives have contacted the NCAA. They’re asking about how the organization plans to treat and compensate female athletes fairly.

Their main focus is on the way Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and revenue-sharing payments mostly benefit male athletes. This inquiry comes after the Trump administration rolled back Title IX guidance on NIL payments.

The lawmakers want answers about payment equity and support for women’s sports. The NCAA hasn’t given a direct response yet, but it has thrown its weight behind the “SCORE Act,” which it says is meant to protect athletes’ rights. The organization also points out that it’s been putting more money into women’s sports lately, though details remain a bit vague.

The Lawmakers’ Concerns

The ten House Democrats say they’re especially troubled by how NIL and revenue-sharing payments currently play out. They argue that most of the money goes to male athletes, which leaves female athletes at a clear disadvantage.

This gender gap needs urgent attention if female athletes are going to get paid fairly for what they bring to college sports.

Title IX Guidance Rescission

The Trump-era rollback of Title IX guidance on NIL payments has only made things worse. Title IX, passed in 1972, bars sex-based discrimination in schools and programs that get federal funding.

Without that guidance, there’s less protection to make sure female athletes aren’t left out when it comes to NIL payments.

Questions Posed to the NCAA

The lawmakers have fired off some tough questions to the NCAA about how it plans to handle fair payment. They’re looking for specifics on how the organization will make sure female athletes aren’t sidelined as college sports compensation changes.

It’s a way to hold the NCAA’s feet to the fire and push for real steps to close the gap.

Equitable Payment Distribution

The biggest question is simple: how will the NCAA make sure payments are split fairly between male and female athletes? Lawmakers want to see actual plans and strategies, not just talk.

It’s a crucial part of making college sports more equal.

Support for Women’s Sports

They’re also pressing the NCAA about its support for women’s sports in general. What is the organization doing now, and what’s on the horizon to boost women’s programs?

That means everything from better facilities to more coaching and resources. It’s about giving women’s sports a real shot to grow.

NCAA’s Response and the “SCORE Act”

The NCAA hasn’t answered the lawmakers directly, but it’s pushing for the “SCORE Act.” Supposedly, this act is designed to protect athletes’ rights and make things fairer.

Whether it will actually address the lawmakers’ concerns remains to be seen.

Increased Investment in Women’s Sports

The NCAA says it’s been investing more in women’s sports lately. That’s a good sign, but lawmakers want to see more than just claims—they’re after real commitments and actions to ensure female athletes get both fair compensation and support.

Conclusion

The inquiry from ten Democratic House members marks a real push to tackle gender gaps in college sports. They’re pressing the NCAA for specific plans on fair pay and better support for women’s sports, which feels overdue.

The NCAA says it backs the “SCORE Act” and points to more investment in women’s athletics. That’s something, but let’s be honest, it’s not enough yet—there’s still a long way to go before we see real equality on campus fields and courts.

If you’re curious and want all the details, the full article is available here.