Senate Expected to Vote on College Sports Overhaul

The Senate passed the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, 77-22, sending it to the House. The bill would set federal rules for NIL agreements, revenue sharing, transfers and eligibility; cap schools’ direct athlete payments at about $50 million annually; regulate agents’ fees; and make conference changes harder. It would give the NCAA limited antitrust protection to enforce standards and includes provisions on medical coverage, protecting less prominent sports and preventing powerful conferences from forming a super league. Supporters say a national framework could bring stability and protect some sports programs, while critics—including civil-rights groups—argue the measure gives institutions and the NCAA too much control and restricts athletes’ compensation and rights. The bill’s House prospects remain uncertain, with lawmakers on recess until after the November midterm elections and objections from both parties; conference leaders have developed a separate plan in case it fails.