US Senate set to vote on college sports rules bill
The Protect College Sports Act proposes compensation, eligibility and transfer rules, but House changes could delay its path to becoming law.
The US Senate is scheduled to vote on final passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act on Monday. The bill, led by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, would regulate college sports and codify parts of the House v. NCAA settlement. CBS Sports reported the vote was expected to attract at least 70 votes, but the outcome remained unknown.
The proposal would give the NCAA and its member institutions a limited antitrust exemption, allowing them to set and enforce eligibility and transfer rules. It would also establish athlete compensation funds, allow one transfer without sitting out and set a five-year eligibility clock. Agents’ fees would be capped at 5 per cent.
The Senate vote follows years of congressional efforts to regulate college sports. More than 40 bills have been introduced since 2020, with several failing to reach a floor vote. The current measure has also drawn opposition: athletes’ groups and other organisations argue players had inadequate input and that the bill could impede collective bargaining.
Senate passage would not settle the bill’s fate. The House may seek changes, potentially sending the legislation back to the Senate and delaying enactment. The source reports that the House is not expected to return until after the November midterm elections, while a new Congress is due to begin in January.
Whether college athletes can be considered employees remains unanswered in the legislation, according to CBS Sports. The House’s position and whether the bill will become law remain uncertain.
