Background on the Turmoil in College Athletics
College sports in the United States have undergone profound transformation in recent years, driven by evolving legal landscapes around student-athlete compensation and institutional governance. The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights in 2021 opened new avenues for athletes to monetize their personal brands, but it also created a fragmented regulatory environment across states. Subsequent antitrust litigation, culminating in the House v. NCAA settlement, further reshaped revenue distribution and eligibility rules. These developments have placed significant pressure on universities and athletic departments to adapt while maintaining competitive balance and educational priorities.
Against this backdrop, federal lawmakers have sought to impose national standards. The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 represents the latest and most comprehensive bipartisan effort to address these issues through legislation rather than piecemeal court rulings or varying state policies.
Introduction of the Protect College Sports Act
On May 27, 2026, Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 in the Senate Commerce Committee. The bill aims to establish a uniform federal framework for collegiate athletics, focusing on NIL compensation, athlete protections, transfer policies, and competitive equity. It builds on elements of the earlier SCORE Act while incorporating broader athlete safeguards to garner wider support.
The legislation responds to ongoing instability following the House settlement and the failure of prior congressional proposals. Proponents argue it will prevent further erosion of non-revenue sports and ensure consistent rules nationwide, preempting conflicting state laws.
Core Provisions on NIL Rights and Compensation
The act enshrines NIL rights for student-athletes, allowing them to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness without losing eligibility or scholarships. It prohibits institutions and athletic associations from unduly restricting these activities while establishing guardrails against pay-for-play arrangements disguised as NIL deals.
A key element codifies aspects of the House v. NCAA settlement by permitting revenue sharing up to a defined cap per institution, with mechanisms for oversight by a proposed College Sports Commission. This framework seeks to balance athlete earnings with institutional sustainability across Division I programs.
Additionally, the bill updates federal athlete-agent regulations, requiring registration, capping fees at five percent, and mandating transparent contracts. Athletes gain a private right of action against deceptive practices, aiming to curb exploitation by intermediaries.
Transfer, Eligibility, and Competitive Rules
To promote stability, the legislation imposes limits on athlete transfers, generally allowing one transfer without penalty while restricting mid-season coaching changes and tampering. These rules receive targeted antitrust protection, enabling the NCAA and conferences to enforce them without constant legal challenges.
Eligibility standards emphasize academic progress and degree completion, with requirements for health care coverage extending across divisions. The bill also addresses representation on governing bodies, including student-athlete input in decision-making processes.
Media Rights and Conference Governance
Title II of the act addresses broadcasting and media rights, authorizing collective negotiations among conferences under certain conditions when a supermajority of schools agree. This provision seeks to level the playing field between power conferences and others while preserving opportunities for women's and Olympic sports.
Restrictions on conference realignment and super-league formations aim to maintain the traditional structure of intercollegiate athletics, preventing further fragmentation that could disadvantage smaller programs.
Stakeholder Reactions and University Perspectives
Reactions to the Protect College Sports Act have been mixed. Athletic leaders such as former coach Nick Saban and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua have testified in support, highlighting the need for federal clarity to protect scholarships, health benefits, and competitive integrity. Some conferences and institutions appreciate the antitrust relief and preemption of state laws.
However, athlete advocacy groups have expressed concerns that the bill prioritizes institutional control over athlete autonomy, particularly regarding compensation caps and transfer restrictions. Major conferences like the Big Ten and SEC have issued statements noting unresolved issues around state law preemption and enforcement consistency.
University administrators emphasize potential impacts on budgets, Title IX compliance, and the viability of non-revenue sports. The legislation's focus on athlete welfare, including mandatory health coverage, aligns with broader higher education goals of supporting student success.
Implications for Higher Education Institutions
For colleges and universities, the act could streamline compliance by replacing the current patchwork of state NIL laws with a single national standard. Athletic departments would gain clearer guidelines for revenue sharing and roster management, potentially reducing litigation risks.
Broader effects include strengthened protections for academic integrity and athlete development, reinforcing the educational mission of collegiate sports. Institutions may need to adjust governance structures to incorporate athlete representation and enhanced oversight mechanisms.
Smaller programs and those outside power conferences stand to benefit from media rights pooling options and safeguards against dominance by wealthier entities, preserving diversity in athletic offerings.
Challenges to Passage and Legislative Outlook
Despite its bipartisan sponsorship and comprehensive scope, the Protect College Sports Act faces significant hurdles. The legislative calendar, with recesses and midterm considerations, limits time for advancement. Previous bills, including the SCORE Act, stalled amid competing priorities and stakeholder disagreements.
Debates continue over the balance between athlete rights and institutional authority, as well as the scope of antitrust exemptions. Hearings in the Senate Commerce Committee have provided a forum for input, but full passage before year-end remains uncertain.
Photo by Lauren Mitchell on Unsplash
Future Outlook for College Athletics Regulation
If enacted, the Protect College Sports Act would mark a pivotal shift toward federal oversight of collegiate sports, potentially stabilizing the industry for years to come. It could serve as a model for integrating athlete compensation with educational priorities while addressing antitrust concerns that have plagued the NCAA.
University leaders, faculty, and administrators will play key roles in implementation, ensuring alignment with institutional missions. Ongoing monitoring of enforcement and potential amendments will be essential as the landscape evolves.
The bill underscores the intersection of higher education policy, athletics, and federal regulation, highlighting the need for collaborative solutions that support both student-athletes and academic communities.
