Senate Passes Major College Sports Overhaul Bill

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22 Monday. The bipartisan bill sets national standards for college athlete pay, transfers, and eligibility.

• $21.5 million is the existing revenue-sharing cap the bill codifies into law.
• Up to $27.5 million more per school is available through a new retention fund.
• One penalty-free transfer per career is allowed; a second requires sitting out a season.
• Agent fees are capped at 5% of an athlete's earnings under the bill.

Why it matters: College football roster payrolls already exceed $40 million at some schools following a 2025 court settlement that let colleges pay players directly. Sponsors Cruz and Cantwell say unchecked spending is pushing schools to raid endowments and seek taxpayer bailouts.

• The bill bars conferences from exceeding 19 teams, blocking what sponsors call potential superleagues.
• Schools switching conferences must spend three years as independents before joining a new league.

How 52 sources split on this story

Where they split: The core dispute is whether the bill's antitrust protections for the NCAA shield a fair system or entrench exploitation of athletes who cannot collectively bargain.

What’s next: The House is in recess until after November midterm elections and has not scheduled a vote.

• If both chambers do not pass the bill this year, Congress must start the process over.
• Will the House pass the Senate bill as written, amend it, or let it expire at year's end?
• Will Congress ultimately resolve whether college athletes are employees with collective bargaining rights?