Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced a bipartisan agreement to introduce the "Protect College Sports Act" in Congress. The proposed legislation aims to address regulatory issues in college sports, including player transfers, payments, and coach movements. Cruz stated that the bill seeks to establish rules that maintain competitive balance and a connection to education for student athletes while allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness.
The bill comes amid ongoing legal challenges faced by the NCAA following a Supreme Court ruling in 2021 that permitted compensation for collegiate athletes. It includes provisions for a five-year eligibility framework, protections against mid-season coach transitions, and the establishment of a student athlete ombudsman position. Additionally, it aims to address disparities between wealthier athletic conferences and others, as well as ongoing antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA.
Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) have also expressed support for the legislation, with Coons urging Congress to act swiftly. The introduction of this bill follows the recent withdrawal of a vote on another college sports bill that faced criticism from some lawmakers.