US Senate backs national rules for college athlete pay and transfers
The 77–22 vote gives the NCAA a proposed role in setting national rules, but the bill still needs approval from the House.
The US Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to regulate college sports, advancing a proposed national framework for athlete payments and transfers. The measure passed 77–22 and must still clear the House before it can become law.
The bill would give the NCAA authority over rules governing payments and transfers, alongside limited antitrust protections to enforce them. It would also codify a 2025 court settlement that allowed colleges to pay athletes, while adding guardrails including a cap on revenue sharing.
Supporters say the legislation could reduce litigation and uncertainty for athletes, schools and fans, and provide health and labour protections. Critics argue it does not do enough to protect athletes or address the money flowing to coaches, colleges and conferences.
The House has not approved the measure, and its prospects there remain uncertain. The chamber is in recess until after the November elections; if both chambers do not pass the bill by the end of the year, lawmakers would need to start again in the next Congress.
