CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University released a statement Friday clarifying that it strongly supports the Protect College Sports Act while asking Congress for a narrow change on conference membership rules.
The bipartisan bill passed the U.S. Senate 77-22 on Sept. 28 and is waiting for a House vote. Clemson said it is not seeking to delay or derail the legislation.
A letter from presidents at Clemson, North Carolina, Florida State and Miami had urged House leaders to raise the proposed Power conference membership cap from 20 to 22 teams and to drop a three-year independence requirement for schools switching conferences.
Clemson said it is advocating for a narrowly tailored provision addressing conference composition and that the flexibility would strengthen the bill without undercutting its core goals.
Saving College Sports and other advocates had accused the four ACC schools of putting the bill at risk. Clemson’s Friday statement stressed support for the Act while it works to protect institutions’ ability to adapt and compete.
Coach Dabo Swinney, asked about the bill earlier in the week, said he liked some parts and disliked others but saw value in bipartisan effort to create more order in college sports.
