Senate Moves Closer to Passing Major College Sports Overhaul
The Senate is nearing final passage of a bipartisan bill that would bring the most significant changes to college athletics in decades, setting national rules for athlete pay, eligibility and transfers.
The Protect College Sports Act, led by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Maria Cantwell of Washington, cleared a key procedural hurdle in mid-September by a 74-24 vote. In a later 77-22 vote, senators advanced the package again, setting it up for a final vote. The bill would still need to pass the House.
What the bill would do
- Write college athletes' right to earn money from their name, image and likeness (NIL) into federal law.
- Set national standards for eligibility, including a guaranteed fifth year, and limit how often athletes can transfer.
- Protect scholarships and health care for athletes and rein in predatory agents.
- Give the NCAA an antitrust exemption, similar to protections enjoyed by professional leagues, to shield its rules from future lawsuits.
Supporters and opponents
The NCAA is the bill's leading supporter, and it has backing from members of both parties, including several senators who once played college sports. Supporters say federal rules are needed after years of state laws and court rulings reshaped how athletes are paid and how they move between schools.
Opponents include the NAACP and the Congressional Black Caucus, and all four Black Democratic senators voted against advancing the bill. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut argued it protects the billions earned by coaches and executives while suppressing athlete pay, and some athlete advocates warn it could let schools avoid accountability for serious misconduct.
Sources: NBC News, Senate Commerce Committee
