Bipartisan College Sports Reform

Senate advances bipartisan bill to create federal rules for college athletics

The Senate voted 74-25 to advance the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan bill that would create federal rules for college athletics; it still must pass the House. The measure would protect athletes’ ability to earn money from their name, image and likeness, allow direct payments from schools subject to a roughly $48 million annual cap, and change transfer and eligibility rules. It would also seek to limit lawsuits and stabilize college sports, with provisions including protections for less prominent sports and new health and safety requirements. Supporters say a national framework is needed to bring order to a rapidly changing system, while critics argue the payment cap and limits on athletes’ choices give schools too much power and leave athletes without bargaining rights comparable to those of other parties who profit from college sports. The bill’s prospects in the House remain uncertain.

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