No Elite Athletes Using X-pro status to ensure Prioritizing Recruitment Of Student-athletes (NEAUX PROS) Act

This bill sets new rules for colleges and universities that take part in federal student financial assistance programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Under the bill, these schools are banned from letting athletes who hold professional sports contracts compete in intercollegiate sports for that same sport. The legislation allows an athlete to cancel their professional contract in writing before receiving any pay or playing any games to keep their college sports eligibility. It also creates criminal penalties for college athletics officials who knowingly recruit or sign professional athletes to play in violation of these rules. Additionally, the bill allows the Secretary of Education to issue guidance and set up a verification process to help schools determine an athlete's professional status. Finally, the measure makes clear that name, image, and likeness agreements are not considered professional sports contracts under the bill.