Senate passes Protect College Sports Act in major college sports overhaul

WASHINGTON (KYMA) — A major overhaul of college athletics is moving forward on Capitol Hill.

The U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act on Monday in a 77-22 vote, advancing legislation that would establish national rules for name, image and likeness compensation and other issues surrounding college athletes.

The legislation would give the NCAA a larger role in overseeing compliance with national rules governing NIL deals, transfers and eligibility.

Under the bill, athletes would receive five years of eligibility, with exceptions for certain medical circumstances. It would also allow athletes to transfer once without sitting out a season, while creating additional exceptions for certain situations.

The legislation also establishes rules for schools to share revenue with athletes and includes provisions involving scholarships, health care and protections for women's and Olympic sports.

The bill has received support from the NCAA and several major college conferences, which have argued that a national framework could provide more consistency across college athletics.

Opponents, however, argue the legislation gives the NCAA and universities too much authority while limiting athletes' ability to challenge decisions in court. Critics have also raised concerns about the bill's impact on athlete compensation and legal rights.

The Protect College Sports Act now heads to the House of Representatives, where its future remains uncertain.