Senator Ted Cruz (R‑TX) told reporters that the SEC and Big Ten are plotting an NFL‑style super league that would concentrate media revenue and viewership. The claim was made during a three‑hour Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the bipartisan "Protect College Sports Act" co‑authored with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D‑WA). Cruz warned that without legislative action ,the merger could devastate smaller schools and the broader college‑sports ecosystem.

Cruz claims SEC and Big Ten eye a $40 million super league

According to the hearing transcript, Cruz cited the conferences’ ability to distribute up to $40 million more to member schools than any other league, a figure that underscores their financial dominance. he argued that a combined league would amplify that advantage, raising media values and squeezing out revenue for non‑Power 2 programs. "They want to form a super league," Cruz said, addinng that such a move would be "devastating for the rest of the country and smaller programs in Texas."

Nick Saban testifies on antitrust protections and transfer rules

During the same session, Alabama coach Nick Saban appeared as a witness and discussed the bill’s provisions, including antitrust safeguards for the NCAA, a reinstated one‑time transfer rule, and a five‑year eligibility standard. As reported by the committee record, Saban emphasized the need for a strict athlete revenue‑share cap to prevent the two conferences from monopolizing college football’s financial landscape.

Big Ten commissioner Petitti rebuts super league rumors

Big Ten commissioner Kevin Petitti, reached for comment, called the super‑league allegation a "fabrication" and insisted the conference has never discussed such a concept with the SEC. Petitti highlighted the Big Ten’s support for a 24‑team playoff as evidence of its commitment to broader access rather than consolidation. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey echoed a similar stance, describing his league as a "super league" only in the sense of its existing power, not as a merger target.

Senate Commerce Committee hearing draws 12 mentions of “super league”

The hearing record shows the term "super league" was spoken more than a dozen times, reflecting lawmakers’ growing anxety over the SEC‑Big Ten resource gap. Senators on both sides expressed concern that unchecked expansion could destabilize the college‑sports landscape, with Cruz warning that failure to act would "kill off everyone but the SEC and Big Ten."

Will the Protect College Sports Act survive a Senate vote?

One unanswered question is whether the bipartisan bill will clear the Senate floor, given the powerful lobbying presence of the two conferences. The joint statement released by the SEC and Big Ten on the eve of the hearing opposed the bill as written, suggesting a potential compromise may be required.. Additionally, it remains unclear how the Congressional Black Caucus, which voiced concerns about racially motivated redistricting, will influence the final language.