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Joint Statement from the Big Ten and SEC on the Protect College Sports Act

The Protect College Sports Act passed the Senate Commerce Committee with a 19-9 vote on June 18, 2026. The bill seeks to regulate player payments, limit free transfers, and restrict mid-season coaching changes. It would grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption to set payment limits for athletes.

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What changed

New details emerge regarding the bill's specific regulations on transfers, coaching changes, and the NCAA antitrust exemption.

Live updates

  1. Protect College Sports Act Moves to Full Senate Vote

    The Protect College Sports Act passed the Senate Commerce Committee with a 19-9 vote on June 18, 2026. The bill seeks to regulate player payments, limit free transfers, and restrict mid-season coaching changes. It would grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption to set payment limits for athletes.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Protect College Sports Act passed the Senate Commerce Committee on June 18, 2026, by a vote of 19-9.
    • The legislation aims to limit student-athletes to one free transfer.
    • The bill would restrict coaches from changing jobs during a season.
    • The act would provide the NCAA with an antitrust exemption to set limits on athlete payments.
    • Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are pushing for the bill.
    • Texas A&M and Texas issued a joint statement to Ted Cruz opposing the act as currently drafted.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The bill will be the first related to college sports to be brought to the Senate floor.
    confidence 95%

  2. Big Ten and SEC Oppose Protect College Sports Act as it Heads to Senate Vote

    The Protect College Sports Act has advanced from a Senate committee with a 19-9 vote and is now eligible for a full floor vote. The Big Ten and SEC have issued joint statements opposing the bill as currently drafted. Leaders from both conferences argue the legislation fails to resolve critical issues and may reduce student-athlete revenue sharing.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Protect College Sports Act advanced out of a Senate committee with a 19-9 vote.
    • The Big Ten and SEC issued a joint statement opposing the Protect College Sports Act as drafted.
    • Darryll J. Pines, Pamela Whitten, Dondi Plowman, and Mun Choi are the signatories of the joint conference statements.
    • The Big Ten and SEC claim the bill does not meaningfully preempt state laws and may result in fewer student-athletes receiving direct revenue share payments.
    • Senate Majority Leader John Thune can now bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The bill likely expands litigation without offering clear alternatives for dispute resolution.
    • Senator Maria Cantwell's characterization of conference engagement does not accurately reflect the process.
    confidence 100%