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● TRACKER Updated 2d ago · 47 sources tracked

College sports bill clears key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big Ten opposition

The Protect College Sports Act has cleared a key Senate hurdle after revisions to increase player compensation, securing backing from some lawmakers. The bill's fate remains uncertain as the Senate clock winds down. A floor vote is pending. The Act aims to freeze the tumult in college sports, with the Big Ten and SEC initially opposing it.

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What changed

Indiana Senator Todd Young flipped his vote in support of the Protect College Sports Act, a key development in the bill's progress.

Live updates

  1. Protect College Sports Act clears Senate hurdle, vote pending

    The Protect College Sports Act has cleared a key Senate hurdle after revisions to increase player compensation, securing backing from some lawmakers. The bill's fate remains uncertain as the Senate clock winds down. A floor vote is pending. The Act aims to freeze the tumult in college sports, with the Big Ten and SEC initially opposing it.

    Why it matters

    The Protect College Sports Act has been a yearslong effort to get Congressional action on college sports. If passed, it could dramatically change the future of the industry. The bill's progress is crucial as the Senate considers its fate before the body's mont recess.

    What is confirmed

    • The Protect College Sports Act has been revised to increase player compensation.
    • The Big Ten and SEC initially opposed the Protect College Sports Act.
    • A floor vote on the Protect College Sports Act is pending.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The college sports bill could pass the Senate as early as September.

    What to watch next

    • The Senate's vote on the Protect College Sports Act
    • The impact of midterm elections on the bill's passage
    • The Senate's recess until September
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. eu.indystar.com — Why Indiana Sen. Todd Young flipping his Protect College Sports Act vote matters
    2. sports.yahoo.com — What’s actually in the Senate bill that’s supposed to stop the madness in college sports?
    3. www.denverpost.com — National Politics
    4. eu.usatoday.com — No vote for Protect College Sports Act, Congress punts. 'Our work is not over'
    5. www.cbssports.com — Protect College Sports Act fails to reach Senate floor for vote, as lawmakers recess until September
    confidence 70%
  2. College sports bill clears key Senate hurdle

    The Protect College Sports Act has been revised to increase player compensation. The changes aim to secure backing from the SEC and Big Ten. The bill's fate is uncertain as the Senate clock winds down. A floor vote is pending.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Protect College Sports Act has been revised to increase the funds schools can share with players.
    • The Big Ten and SEC are opposed to the bill.
    • The Senate has a deadline of August congressional recess to pass the bill.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti is currently reviewing the updated language.
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. College sports legislation on the brink: Big Ten, SEC await critical bill language as Senate clock winds down
    2. Big Ten, SEC 'moving goal posts' has floor vote for Protect College Sports Act in doubt
    confidence 80%
  3. Senate bill proposes $25 million retention pool to win conference support

    The Protect College Sports Act has been revised to increase the funds schools can share with players. These changes aim to secure backing from the SEC and Big Ten. Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti is currently reviewing the updated language.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Protect College Sports Act aims to regulate college sports.
    • The updated bill proposes a retention pool of up to $25 million to pay athletes already on rosters.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The revised bill more than doubles the money schools can share with players.
    • Tony Pettiti hopes the new version provides more help than not.
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. College NIL bill includes $25 million 'retention pool' but is that enough to sway Big Ten, SEC?
    2. College sports facing a critical deadline. Can the Protect Sports Act vote save the day?
    confidence 100%
  4. Bipartisan College Sports Bill Advances Despite Conference Opposition

    A bipartisan bill to establish national standards for college athlete compensation has passed a major legislative hurdle. Supporters argue the measure will restore order after years of chaotic payments. The legislation still faces roadblocks from the largest college sports conferences.

    What's confirmed:

    • A bipartisan bill to set national standards for college athletes compensation has cleared a major legislative hurdle.
    • The largest college sports conferences oppose the legislation.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Regent chairmen from Texas A&M and Texas sent a joint letter stating key issues remain with the Protect College Sports Act as drafted.
    • Senator Ted Cruz believes the proposed changes can prevent a stark separation between the haves and have-nots in athletics.
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. College sports bill making headway in US Senate but obstacles remain
    2. Oklahoma Voice: College sports bill making headway in US Senate but ...
    3. College sports bill making headway in US Senate but obstacles remain ...
    4. College Sports Bill Makes Way Through Senate - kcnonline.com
    5. Ted Cruz bill to regulate college sports in NIL era advances
    6. College Sports Money SAFE Act HBCUs NCAA Revenue Sharing
    7. College Sports Money SAFE Act HBCUs NCAA Revenue Sharing
    8. Regent chairmen from Texas A&M, Texas send joint letter in opposition ...
    confidence 90%
  5. Senate Advances Protect College Sports Act Over SEC and Big Ten Objections

    The Protect College Sports Act has passed the Senate Commerce Committee and is moving to the Senate floor. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are pushing the bipartisan legislation. The bill aims to stabilize college athletics despite resistance from the Big Ten and SEC.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Protect College Sports Act passed the Senate Commerce Committee.
    • The bill is advancing to the Senate floor.
    • The SEC and Big Ten oppose the legislation.
    • Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are pushing for the bill.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Cody Campbell describes the act as the first viable college sports bill to clear committee.
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. Clock is ticking as Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell push for SEC, Big ...
    2. U.S. Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell Push For Big Ten, SEC To ... - AOL
    3. Senate Advances Protect College Sports Act Despite Big Ten, SEC ...
    4. College Sports - Chicago Tribune
    5. Republican News - U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science ...
    6. Protect College Sports Act is last chance to stop chaos, adviser says ...
    7. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big Ten ...
    confidence 100%
  6. Protect College Sports Act advances to full Senate vote

    The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bipartisan bill to stabilize college sports with a 19-9 vote. The legislation focuses on regulating player payments and limiting transfers. It now moves toward a vote on the Senate floor despite opposition from the SEC and Big Ten.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Senate Commerce Committee passed the bill with a 19-9 vote.
    • The Big Ten and SEC oppose the legislation.
    • The bill aims to regulate player payments and limit transfers.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Lawmakers and athletic leaders describe the bill as the best chance to stabilize college sports.
    • The current version of the bill was revised after weeks of input from athletes, schools, and conferences.
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. Protect College Sports Act passes Senate committee amid continued Big Ten, SEC opposition
    2. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big ... - WTOP
    confidence 90%
  7. Senate Commerce Committee advances Protect College Sports Act

    The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to stabilize college sports with a 19-9 vote on Thursday. The legislation seeks to regulate player payments and limit transfers. It moves toward a full Senate vote despite opposition from the Big Ten and SEC.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Senate Commerce Committee passed the Protect College Sports Act in a 19-9 vote on Thursday.
    • The bill aims to regulate payments to players.
    • The legislation limits athletes to one free transfer.
    • The bill restricts coaches from changing jobs during a season.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey argues the bill could invite litigation it is intended to prevent.
    • Lawmakers and athletic leaders describe the bill as the best chance to stabilize college sports.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle - Spectrum News
    2. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big Ten ...
    3. College Sports Bill Clears Key Senate Hurdle Despite SEC, Big Ten ...
    4. College World Series finals: Oklahoma a win away from title after roughing up North Carolina ace in Game 1
    confidence 90%
  8. Senate Committee Advances Protect College Sports Act

    The Senate Commerce Committee approved the Protect College Sports Act in a 19-9 vote on Thursday. The bill moves toward a full Senate vote without granting concessions to the Big Ten and SEC. These conferences oppose the legislation.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Senate Commerce Committee approved the Protect College Sports Act in a 19-9 vote on Thursday.
    • The Big Ten and SEC oppose the legislation.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The revised bill excludes concessions regarding media pooling rights and private right to action.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. Cody Campbell Hails Major Senate Win for Protect College Sports Act ...
    2. Cruz, Cantwell push college sports bill forward without SEC support ...
    3. The Big Ten and SEC don't like the college sports bill in Congress. Can they break away?
    4. College World Series finals: North Carolina seeks 1st national title in baseball vs. red-hot Oklahoma
    confidence 95%
  9. Protect College Sports Act advances to full Senate vote

    The Senate Commerce Committee approved the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act on Thursday in a 19-9 vote. The bill seeks to stabilize college athletics by regulating player payments and limiting transfers. It now moves toward a full Senate vote despite opposition from the Big Ten and SEC.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Protect College Sports Act passed the Senate Commerce Committee with a 19-9 vote.
    • The Big Ten and SEC conferences oppose the current version of the bill.
    • The legislation aims to regulate payments to players and limit transfers.
    • Former Alabama coach Nick Saban has testified in support of the bill.
    • The bill would allow the NCAA to enforce a spending cap and pool media rights.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • President Donald Trump has backed the bill.
    • Senators Gary Peters, Todd Young, and Roger Wicker voted against the legislation.
    • The bill would restrict coaches from changing jobs during a season.
    Sources used for this update (19)
    1. Bipartisan bill would bring transparency to college athletics | Editorial
    2. With Protect College Sports Act under scrutiny, NIL deals with 'associated entities' creating confusion
    3. Legislation overhauling college sports faces a major test in the Senate
    4. Protect College Sports Act headed to Senate for full vote
    5. Protect College Sports Act moves out of Senate committee, with SEC, Big Ten still opposed
    6. Ted Cruz bill to regulate college sports in NIL era advances
    7. Senate advances landmark Protect College Sports Act, ignoring SEC and Big Ten opposition with clock ticking
    8. Senate Commerce advances college sports package
    9. College sports bill clears key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big Ten ...
    10. Legislation overhauling college sports clears major Senate test | AP News
    11. College sports bill clears key Senate hurdle despite opposition from Big Ten and SEC
    12. The Big Ten and SEC don’t like the college sports bill in Congress. Can they break away?
    confidence 90%