The Senate is moving forward with the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, legislation aimed at establishing federal rules for college athletics amid rising spending, name-image-likeness payments and uncertainty over transfers.
The Senate voted 74-24 on Sept. 15 to advance the measure, followed by a 77-22 vote on Sept. 17, bringing it closer to a final Senate vote.
It would also provide federal protections covering scholarships, health care, NIL compensation and athlete safety, while creating measures intended to protect women’s and Olympic sports.
Supporters say the legislation would provide consistent national rules for an increasingly complex college sports system. Critics, including some senators and athlete advocates, have raised concerns about federal involvement and whether the proposed framework provides sufficient protections and representation for players.
The legislation would still need to pass the full Senate and then clear the House before becoming law. Senate leaders are seeking to advance it before the November midterm elections.
Related Tweet:
College sports bill inches ahead in the Senate even as Congress punts other issues https://t.co/lAUfjnTDQt
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) September 18, 2026
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TIPP Staff
