Senate Advances Protect College Sports Act Amid House Uncertainty
The Senate voted 77-23 to move the Protect College Sports Act forward, with a final procedural vote expected early next week, while its prospects in the House remain unclear.
The U.S. Senate approved the second of three procedural motions for the Protect College Sports Act on Thursday, recording 77 votes in favor, well above the simple majority needed. The legislation, which spans more than 150 pages, aims to regulate college athletics by reinstating a one-time transfer exception, setting a five-year eligibility limit, increasing revenue-share payments to athletes, and creating an agent certification system.
Lawmakers also revised the bill’s expansion provision, reducing the independent probationary period for power-conference schools moving to another power league from five to three years and ending the probation after six years of the law’s enactment. The cap on power-conference membership at 19 schools remains unchanged.
Senators Tommy Tuberville and Alex Padilla switched their votes from no to yes after the amendment. Senate co-author Eric Schmitt said the vote “is a big number” and expressed confidence that the bill will bring stability to college sports. Democratic co-author Maria Cantwell highlighted a report showing taxpayer funds being diverted to athletic departments and called the legislation “historic.”
The Senate is expected to hold the third procedural vote as early as Tuesday, with a final adoption vote possibly on Thursday. If passed, the bill must still be taken up by the House of Representatives, where leaders have indicated they may not consider it until after the November midterm elections. President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Senate vote and urged House leaders to act before the election.
Opponents, including Senator Cory Booker, argue the bill imposes unnecessary limits on athletes and does not adequately address compensation concerns. Several ACC schools have voiced reservations about the expansion provision, though the recent compromise was enough to win bipartisan support.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has signaled that further amendments will be difficult, suggesting the bill could be finalized next week.