Big Ten and SEC Reach Agreement on Protect College Sports Act
The Big Ten and SEC have agreed with lawmakers on a bill that would grant limited antitrust exemptions to the NCAA and conferences, pending Senate and House approval.
The Big Ten and SEC announced on Friday that they have reached an agreement with congressional leaders on the so-called Protect College Sports Act. The deal is intended to provide a limited antitrust exemption for the NCAA and its member conferences, allowing the implementation of a one-time transfer rule and establishing a stricter cap on revenue sharing. The legislation would also prohibit coaches from leaving their teams before the end of a season.
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said a full Senate vote is expected next week, noting that the Senate faces a tight schedule before a month-long recess and the upcoming November midterm elections. If the Senate approves the measure, it would still require passage by the House of Representatives.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tx.), a sponsor of the bill, described the revenue-sharing limit as a “hard cap.” The proposal aims to address concerns about schools circumventing spending limits while maintaining financial support for lower-revenue sports.
"The agreement reflects a collaborative effort to bring stability to college athletics while respecting existing antitrust frameworks," a spokesperson for the conference alliance said.
The bill’s progress marks a shift after previous delays attributed to objections from the two conferences.