NCAA Accountability Act of 2025

This proposal sets clear, fair rules for how large college sports groups investigate schools and student-athletes. If an investigation begins, the school must get written notice within 60 days that explains who and what is being investigated, limited to events from the last two years. Within 8 months, the group must send formal charges with the evidence and possible penalties. A hearing must take place at least 60 days after that and within one year, and decisions can’t be based on secret sources.

If a school disputes the punishment, it can require an independent, binding review by a three-person arbitration panel. The sports group must keep ongoing investigations private until charges are filed, though a school may choose to share information. Penalties must be fair and consistent. The group must also send yearly case reports to the U.S. and state attorneys general, and the Justice Department can take complaints, hold hearings, and, if it finds violations, order changes, fine up to $15 million, or remove a member of the group’s governing board.

• Who is affected: Large national college sports associations with 900+ member schools, their member colleges, and student-athletes.
• What changes: Timelines for notices and hearings; no use of confidential sources; option for independent arbitration; required annual reports; federal oversight and possible fines or leadership removal for violations.
• When: These rules must be in place within one year after the law takes effect.