Senate Passes Bipartisan 'Protect College Sports Act' to Overhaul Collegiate Athletics

On September 28, 2026, the U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 by a 77-22 bipartisan vote, advancing comprehensive reforms to address athlete compensation, transfers, eligibility, and health protections in college sports. The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), grants the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption, establishes nationwide NIL standards to preempt state laws, limits athletes to one transfer and five years of eligibility, and requires schools to cover medical costs for up to five years post-eligibility while creating a $60 million medical trust fund. It also revises broadcasting rules, bans midseason coaching moves, mandates athlete representation on governing boards, and extends revenue-sharing caps beyond the House v. NCAA settlement. The bill now heads to the House, which is in recess until after November midterms. President Trump endorsed the measure on Truth Social, calling it a 'really big deal' that will 'save college sports.' Multiple provisions aim to stabilize the system amid recent legal changes allowing direct athlete pay.