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● TRACKER Updated 13d ago · 17 sources tracked

Pat Forde: Congress Is Coming for the SEC and Big Ten’s College Sports Empire

The Protect College Sports Act has advanced through a Senate committee and is moving toward a full vote. The legislation seeks to regulate player payments, restrict coach job changes during seasons, and limit athletes to one free transfer. The SEC and Big Ten are currently attempting to influence the bill by submitting revisions to congressional staff.

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What changed

The SEC and Big Ten have submitted revisions to the act, and specific regulatory goals of the bill have been identified.

Live updates

  1. SEC and Big Ten Lobby Against Protect College Sports Act

    The Protect College Sports Act has advanced through a Senate committee and is moving toward a full vote. The legislation seeks to regulate player payments, restrict coach job changes during seasons, and limit athletes to one free transfer. The SEC and Big Ten are currently attempting to influence the bill by submitting revisions to congressional staff.

    What's confirmed:

    • The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted 19-9 to advance the Protect College Sports Act.
    • The Protect College Sports Act aims to regulate payments to players, limit them to one free transfer, and restrict coaches from changing jobs during a season.
    • The SEC and Big Ten submitted revisions for the Protect College Sports Act to congressional staff.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Big Ten and SEC are considering a final expansion move to outflank Congress.
    • The House Ways and Means Committee is in early stages of discussing changes to how collegiate and professional athletics are handled in the tax code.
    • Congress is reevaluating the Sports Broadcasting Act regarding sports streaming and antitrust exemptions.
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. Sports Illustrated
    2. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle - Spectrum News
    3. Big Ten and SEC weigh final expansion move to outflank Congress
    4. ESPN College GameDay - iHeart
    5. SEC, Big Ten Submit PCSA Revisions to Congressional Staff
    6. Ways and Means in early stages of tackling sports taxation
    7. Congress Examines Pro Sports on Streaming Platforms, Questions Need for ...
    confidence 90%

  2. Senate Committee Advances Protect College Sports Act

    The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted 19-9 to advance the Protect College Sports Act. The move brings the bill closer to a full Senate vote. The legislation targets the influence of the Big Ten and SEC.

    What's confirmed:

    • The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation advanced the Protect College Sports Act by a 19-9 vote.
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. Pat Forde: Congress Is Coming for the SEC and Big Ten's College Sports ...
    2. College Football News, Scores & Analysis - Sports Illustrated
    confidence 100%

  3. Senate Moves Toward Vote on Protect College Sports Act

    The Protect College Sports Act is advancing to a full Senate vote. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are seeking support from the SEC and Big Ten, though commissioners from those conferences have opposed the bill. The legislation reflects growing frustration with the dominance of the Power 2 conferences.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Protect College Sports Act is headed to the Senate for a full vote.
    • Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are pushing for buy-in from the Big Ten and SEC regarding the college sports bill.
    • Commissioners of the SEC and Big Ten have opposed the Protect College Sports Act.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Nick Saban testified before Congress in support of the Protect College Sports Act.
    • The legislation could force the Power 2 to consider drastic next steps.
    Sources used for this update (9)
    1. Protect College Sports Act headed to Senate for full vote
    2. Big Ten, SEC commissioners ripped by key senator for continued opposition to Protect College Sports Act — 'People have to wake up'
    3. Joint Statement from Big Ten, SEC Presidents & Chancellors
    4. Pat Forde: Congress Is Coming for the SEC and Big Ten’s College Sports Empire
    5. Clock is ticking as Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell push for SEC, Big Ten buy-In on college sports bill
    6. Pat Forde: Congress Is Coming for the SEC and Big Ten's College Sports ...
    7. Pat Forde - Sports Illustrated
    8. Mike Bianchi: While Nick Saban asked Congress to save college sports, the SEC and Big Ten exposed their hypocrisy
    9. Federal Legislation Now the Pivot Point in College Football's Power ...
    confidence 90%