Senate Approves Sweeping Bill to Regulate College Sports, Despite Opposition from Some Democrats
Updated on: September 29, 2026 / 12:11 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act with a 77-22 vote.
- The bill establishes federal regulations for college athletics, covering transfer eligibility and NIL rights.
- Supporters believe the bill will bring stability and uniform rules to college sports, protecting less lucrative sports and women's/Olympic opportunities.
- Critics, including Sen. Cory Booker and the Congressional Black Caucus, argue the bill may harm athletes' rights, collective bargaining, and NIL gains already won in court.
- The bill includes a revenue-sharing framework allowing universities to share significant funds with athletes and proposes health and safety protections.
- The NCAA and some athletic conferences, including the Big Ten and SEC, have backed the legislation, with the White House also in support.
- Some lawmakers expressed frustration that the Senate is prioritizing this bill over economic issues ahead of midterm elections.