The Senate voted 77-22 on Thursday to advance the Protect College Sports Act, a sweeping bipartisan bill that would set federal rules for how college athletes get paid — clearing its second procedural hurdle of the week and putting final passage within reach as soon as next week.
What the Bill Does
The NCAA-backed legislation would build a national framework covering name, image and likeness deals, athlete compensation, media rights and revenue sharing — an attempt to replace the current patchwork of state laws and court rulings that has left college sports' financial rules in flux. It would codify the NCAA's rule capping eligibility at five years, cap agent fees, and give the NCAA limited antitrust protections.
Other Key Provisions
The bill would let student athletes transfer once without losing a year of eligibility and would bar football staff from becoming a head coach at a different school in the same season they're currently employed. It's formally known as S.4668, the Protect College Sports Act of 2026.
Where It Goes From Here
Thursday's vote followed an earlier 74-24 procedural vote on Tuesday, giving the bill comfortable bipartisan margins on both tries. The timing for a final Senate vote hasn't been set, and even if it passes there, the legislation would still need to clear the House before reaching the president's desk.
