The Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act on a 74-24 procedural vote, setting up a final passage vote before the midterms. Sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, the bill preserves NIL earnings while imposing limits on transfers and eligibility, allows pooled media rights, regulates agents and bans midseason coach departures. Supporters say the measure will stabilize college programs and help HBCUs; critics argue it grants broad antitrust relief to the NCAA and risks athlete protections.
Senate Advances Protect College Sports Act 74-24; Final Vote Expected Before Midterms
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The Senate moved a major piece of college athletics legislation forward on a 74-24 procedural vote, clearing the way for a final passage vote before the midterm elections. The Protect College Sports Act, sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), drew support and opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
What the Bill Would Do
The bill seeks to balance new revenue opportunities for student-athletes with restrictions intended to stabilize collegiate athletic programs. Key provisions would:
- Preserve students' ability to earn name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation.
- Limit transfers and impose new eligibility rules for athletes.
- Allow colleges to pool media rights to increase collective revenues.
- Strengthen regulation of agents who represent student-athletes.
- Ban football coaches from departing teams in the middle of a season.
Supporters' Case
Sen. Cantwell acknowledged the bill is imperfect but argued on the Senate floor that it would protect student-athletes and smaller programs, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
"I will not let the perfect be the enemy of the essential," Cantwell said. "This is the last best chance to save college sports and put HBCUs at the table where the future gets decided."
Sen. Cruz, who promoted the legislation during an appearance on ESPN's "College GameDay," warned that many athletic programs face severe financial strain. "Most college athletic programs are losing tens of millions of dollars, and as a result, they're canceling women's programs and non-revenue sports and Olympic sports," he said. Cruz emphasized the bill would still allow NIL earnings while aiming to curb illicit payments: "Every single student can still earn name, image and likeness money... What this bill does is prohibit a booster in a back alley showing up with a bag of cash and doing things under the table."
Opposition and Concerns
Critics argue the bill grants the NCAA broad antitrust relief without adequately protecting athletes' health, safety and labor rights. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said the measure "jeopardizes college athletes' health and safety" and noted it "does not cure" major problems facing players. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warned it would "preserve a system of exploitation that is damaging our athletes."
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a former college coach, opposed the bill on the grounds of excessive government involvement.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) was among 25 Democrats who voted to advance the bill. President Donald Trump has also expressed support. A related measure in the House has so far failed to advance.
Reporting: Vote tally 74-24. Sponsors: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
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