Greg Sankey, the SEC commissioner, and George Kliavkoff, the Pac-12 commissioner, met in Washington on Thursday to discuss name, image and likes across college athletics. And perhaps more importantly, how the federal government can get involved.

At the end of the day, Sankey put out a statement via Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated to offer his view on the day.

“I appreciate today’s opportunity for conversation and dialogue with members of Congress. As we have observed activity emerge that is very different from original ideas around, Name, Image, and Likeness, it is important we continue to pursue NIL structure to support the thousands of opportunities made available for young people through intercollegiate athletics programs across the country,” Sankey said.

The commissioners met with influential senators, and much of the conversation was expected to be centered on the harm toward athletes if they are labeled as employees.

In the months since NIL laws went into effect on July 1, multi-million dollar deals are becoming regular new items around college sports. There are also concerns about booster collectives bending the “pay-for-play” rules and using the transfer portal for financial leverage.