Senate Advances College Sports Bill 74-24

The Senate voted 74-24 to advance the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, clearing the 60-vote threshold and beginning a three-step process that could lead to final passage next week. Sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, the bill would establish national rules for name, image and likeness compensation, revenue sharing, transfers, eligibility, agent certification, recruiting and conference expansion. It would generally allow one penalty-free transfer, impose a five-year eligibility limit, regulate second transfers and certain payments and agent fees, and require specified medical and post-eligibility scholarship benefits. The measure would give the NCAA and conferences broader enforcement authority and a limited antitrust exemption, including the ability to pool and sell some media rights, while protecting schools from certain legal challenges and seeking to safeguard non-revenue sports and smaller programs. Supporters, including President Donald Trump, say it would provide stability amid conflicting state laws, court rulings, rising costs and frequent transfers; Trump has said he would sign it immediately. Critics including the NAACP, labor advocates and some lawmakers say it could limit athletes’ rights and preserve an exploitative system, while some Republicans have sought provisions on transgender participation; the bill still requires two more Senate votes and House passage.