Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act, Heads to House

The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA) late Monday night by a vote of 77-22, establishing a federal framework to regulate college athletics.

The bill, championed by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Eric Schmitt, and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives, where its passage is considered more difficult. The legislation aims to regulate name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, set limits on athlete transfers, and ensure only college-age athletes compete. It also grants the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption to enforce rules on transfers and compensation caps.

Supporters, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and NCAA president Charlie Baker, stated the bill would bring order to college sports. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz described the current system as chaos and the wild west. The bill requires athletes to disclose NIL compensation over $600 and prohibits institutions from restricting NIL agreements. Athletic departments with over $80 million in annual revenue must maintain roster spots and grant-in-aid opportunities for women's and Olympic sports for nine years.

The Senate rejected a $5 million limit for coach pay. Democratic Sen. Cory Booker argued the bill sells out college athletes. The House is not scheduled to return until November 9, after the midterm elections. The Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences have issued statements supporting the PCSA.