November 28, 2025

Texas AG Challenges College Sports Commission’s Agreement

Austin, TX, November 28, 2025

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging universities to reject the College Sports Commission’s University Participation Agreement, citing concerns over institutional autonomy and potential legal issues. His advisory warns that the agreement could allow arbitrary sanctions and limit universities’ ability to contest decisions, significantly impacting major athletic programs across Texas. Paxton has reached out to other state attorneys general to support a collective resistance against this agreement, which he believes threatens the independence of colleges in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Texas AG Warns Schools Against College Sports Agreement

Austin, TX — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken a strong stance against the College Sports Commission’s (CSC) University Participation Agreement, urging universities to reject it due to concerns regarding institutional autonomy and legal ramifications. This advisory could drastically alter the dynamics of college athletics in Texas and beyond, particularly affecting major programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big 12, and Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Paxton’s advisory comes amid rising unease over the implications of the agreement, which would allow the CSC to enforce new rules and sanctions with limited opportunities for universities to contest decisions. The lack of clear mechanisms for appeal has sparked worries about the overreach of authority that could undermine the autonomy of Texas universities.

Major Concerns Over the Agreement

Arbitrary Sanctioning Power: The agreement grants the CSC broad authority to impose fines and sanctions that universities struggle to appeal.
Compliance with Future Policies: Universities would be obligated to follow future CSC policies without prior notice or input.
Legal Ramifications: Provisions in the agreement could penalize schools for cooperating with state attorneys general in legal challenges against the CSC.
Constitutional Conflicts: Paxton identified potential conflicts with Texas constitutional laws, suggesting the agreement may not hold for state institutions.

Impact on Texas Universities

This advisory targets key athletic programs, including Baylor University and Texas A&M University, emphasizing the need to safeguard institutional integrity within Texas collegiate athletics. Paxton’s cautionary approach aims to deter universities from what he describes as a potentially harmful partnership that could diminish their autonomy while maintaining their competitive edge in the evolving landscape of college sports.

Broader National Implications

Beyond Texas, Paxton has reached out to fellow state attorneys general across the nation, encouraging them to support similar resistance against the agreement. This collective strategy seeks to limit the CSC’s concentration of power, fostering an environment where universities retain more control over their governance and athletic regulations.

The Role of the College Sports Commission

The College Sports Commission emerged to guide the implementation of new policies pertaining to athlete revenue-sharing after the NCAA’s antitrust settlement. The University Participation Agreement is central to the CSC’s mandate to enforce rules across major athletic conferences, yet its contentious terms have sparked serious debates regarding legal protections and institutional independence.

Next Steps for Universities

As universities assess the ramifications of the agreement, discussions are ongoing among university officials, state attorneys general, and the CSC to navigate the highlighted concerns. With the future of collegiate athletics hanging in the balance, Texas institutions must weigh their options carefully to ensure they remain competitive while upholding their rights and responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the College Sports Commission’s University Participation Agreement?

The University Participation Agreement is a proposed document outlining the conditions under which universities can engage with the CSC’s new enforcement system for college athletics.

Why is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton advising universities against signing the agreement?

Paxton has raised alarms that the agreement may grant excessive authority to the CSC, subject universities to arbitrary sanctions, and include provisions that could penalize schools for cooperating with legal actions initiated by state attorneys general against the CSC.

Which universities are affected by this advisory?

This advisory particularly impacts universities within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big 12, and Southeastern Conference (SEC), such as Baylor University and Texas A&M University.

What are the potential consequences for universities that sign the agreement?

Universities that choose to sign may face arbitrary fines, mandatory compliance with future CSC decisions without adequate notification, and risks of penalties for aiding legal efforts against the CSC.

What is the College Sports Commission’s role in college athletics?

The College Sports Commission was established to manage the enactment of new policies and penalties concerning athlete revenue-sharing, post-NCAA settlement.

What are the next steps for universities regarding the agreement?

Universities are currently analyzing the implications of the agreement following Paxton’s advisory, with ongoing discussions amongst university officials, state attorneys general, and the CSC to address indicated concerns.