Senate vote advances NCAA rules bill as House path remains uncertain
The Protect College Sports Act would give the NCAA an antitrust exemption and reshape rules on athlete payments, transfers and conference membership.
The US Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act by 77 votes to 22, advancing a bill that would give the NCAA an antitrust exemption and set federal rules for college athletics. ESPN reported the vote followed consideration of seven amendments.
The bill would lift the direct payment cap for schools from about $21.5 million to about $49 million, including $5 million reserved for non-revenue and Olympic sports. It would also limit athletes to one transfer without penalty and reinforce a five-year eligibility window.
Approved amendments require athletic departments to disclose investment from foreign governments or sovereign wealth funds, raise the Power 4 conference membership cap from 19 schools to 20, and preserve athletes’ right to sue over specified matters.
Supporters, including senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz, argue the legislation could help enforce spending rules and bring greater stability to college sport. Critics say it does not adequately protect athletes and could add pressure to spending and conference realignment. The Senate rejected an amendment that would have capped coaches’ school-paid earnings at $5 million a year.
The bill does not cap spending on coaches’ and administrators’ salaries or facility upgrades. Its provisions on athlete employment remain neutral, an issue that could complicate support in the House.
The House has not voted on the bill, and its prospects remain uncertain. Representatives are not scheduled to vote on bills until after the November midterm elections. Senate passage alone does not make the measure law.
