Senate advances bipartisan Protect College Sports Act
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The Senate voted 74-24 to move forward a bipartisan bill that would establish federal guidelines for college athletics, including eligibility, transfer rules and compensation, pending further approval in the Senate and House.
The Senate voted Tuesday to advance the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan measure backed by the NCAA, by a 74-24 margin, surpassing the 60-vote threshold needed for consideration. The bill now awaits a schedule for a final Senate vote and must also be approved by the House of Representatives.
The legislation seeks to create a uniform federal framework for college sports, addressing issues such as years of eligibility, transfer frequency, and athlete compensation. It would also grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption similar to those enjoyed by professional leagues, aiming to shield the organization from future legal challenges.
Introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the bill has drawn support from both parties. Gonzaga men’s basketball coach Mark Few praised the proposal, saying it is “far from perfect but the best option currently available.”
Critics, including the Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), argue the bill favors coaches and industry executives at the expense of athletes. Murphy told reporters the legislation would “allow colleges, conferences and the NCAA to collude.”
Public debate has extended to media appearances, with Cruz promoting the bill on ESPN’s College GameDay and Murphy responding on Stephen A. Smith’s Straight Shooter podcast.