The NCAA and two of its conferences "spent at least $750,000" combined last year "lobbying lawmakers to shape any reforms to the organization's liking," as Congress considers whether to allow college athletes to receive endorsement money, according to Ben Nuckols of the AP. The NCAA has "turned to Congress to step in as more and more states follow the lead of California," where a law set to take effect in '23 "clears the way for athletes to earn endorsement money." The NCAA "spent $450,000 last year on lobbying," the most it has spent in any year since '14. The ACC "hired lobbyists last year for the first time," giving at least $210,000 to the law firm DLA Piper and another lobbyist to "influence Congress on 'legislative and regulatory proposals affecting intercollegiate athletes.'" The Big 12 also was seen "ramping up its spending last year." In the last six months of '19, it paid lobbyist and former congressman Kenny Hulshof $90,000. The NCAA and its allies "have a big reason to increase their spending," because, if Congress does nothing, "athlete-friendly laws like the one in California will take effect around the country" (AP, 2/11).
