By Matthew Medalia / For The Herald
Racing through the Montlake Cut on opening day, hearing the crowds cheering along the edge of the lake, on their boats, is an experience I’ll never forget.
It marks the beginning of boating season in Seattle area and is a highlight of our racing season. Rowing is a University of Washington tradition, one that I am proud to have been a part of for four years. It’s an electrifying celebration uniting our university students, the city, and all that travel from across the globe to watch the men and women of Washington take part in athletics.
Across Montlake and around Lake Washington, fans come to cheer on their team, to watch the students play, watch the success of our athletic careers take off, or celebrate our last game. But what students athletes have on their minds today, besides their class and practice schedule, is the pressing issue that threatens the integrity of college sports: the current state of name, image, and likeness (NIL) standards.
Nearly every state and university across the country has its own unique set of regulations on NIL. With time, this regulatory landscape has produced disparities that undermine fairness for student-athletes nationwide. The lack of a national framework has especially hurt athletic programs that don’t generate revenue, particularly women’s and Olympic sports. Consider that most of Team USA in the upcoming Paris Olympics came from a college sports program. Unfortunately, the status quo under NIL risks undermining that pathway from college to the international stage.
Without clear parameters we risk compromising the college athletics system that has benefited athletes, sports programs and universities for generations. At the end of the day, Congress is the only actor that can help fix this mess and ensure the survival of college sports.
In this pivotal moment, Washington state has the opportunity to lead the way in reforming NIL rules. As chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Sen. Maria Cantwell will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of federal NIL legislation in Congress.
But the momentum building in Congress behind NIL reform is promising. In addition to the growing number of hearings and statements on the issue, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have introduced robust legislation that prioritizes the well-being of student-athletes and establishes national guidelines. If passed, these bills could provide consistency and clarity to an institution that desperately needs stability.
As we navigate the rapid changes in college sports, the demand for decisive action has never been more immediate. Congress must seize this moment to send a resounding message of support for student-athletes and the communities they represent. The sustainability and vitality of college athletics depend on lawmakers’ courage to secure its future.
Let’s hope Sen. Cantwell and her colleagues will create an environment where college sports are not only a source of pride but they also remain a beacon of opportunity for student-athletes. Doing so will revitalize a cherished institution in our state and across the nation.
Matthew Medalia was a three-time national champion in men’s rowing for the University of Washington. He lives in Edmonds.
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