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Senate Passes College Sports Bill, Setting Up House Showdown
The Protect College Sports Act would strengthen NCAA enforcement powers, raise athlete payment limits and restrict conference movement, but its path to becoming law remains uncertain.
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House faces a tight deadline
The U.S. Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act 77-22 on Monday night, advancing legislation that would reshape athlete compensation and NCAA oversight. The measure now heads to the House of Representatives, where opposition across the political spectrum and a limited legislative calendar present obstacles. The House returns Nov. 9, with five weeks of voting scheduled across November and December. Failure to pass the bill before a new Congress takes over in January would force lawmakers to restart the process.
Payment limits and athlete rules
The legislation would grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption intended to strengthen its ability to enforce athlete payment caps and other rules challenged in court. Schools’ direct payments to athletes could rise from roughly $21.5 million this year under the House settlement to roughly $49 million, including $5 million reserved for nonrevenue and Olympic sports. Athletes would be allowed one penalty-free transfer during their college careers. The bill would also reinforce a five-year eligibility window beginning when an athlete finishes high school or turns 19. Senators rejected a proposed $5 million annual limit on coaches’ school-paid earnings and restrictions on their job changes by a 52-47 vote.
Conference limits and unresolved concerns
Power 4 conferences would be limited to 20 members. Schools switching between those conferences would have to remain unaffiliated for three years, although that requirement would expire at the end of 2031. Supporters argue the package would restore enforceable rules and financial stability. Critics contend it leaves major spending categories unchecked while providing insufficient protections for athletes. Approved amendments would require disclosure of investments from foreign governments or sovereign wealth funds and preserve athletes’ and families’ ability to sue over matters including sexual misconduct and wrongful death. The bill takes no position on whether athletes are employees, leaving a major point of disagreement unresolved as the House considers its next move.
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