Protect College Sports Act is on track for a full Senate vote

Live updates

1. 13h ago

   Ted Cruz expects Senate passage of Protect College Sports Act this week

   Senator Ted Cruz expects the Protect College Sports Act to pass the Senate this week. The bipartisan bill seeks to regulate college sports and follows a series of high-stakes negotiations involving the White House, NCAA leadership, and major conferences. While the Big Ten and SEC have agreed to support the measure, Cruz noted that the legislative process remains unfinished. The lawmaker envisions President Trump signing the bill during the 2026 football season.

   Why it matters

   The legislation previously faced potential failure before a scramble of phone calls and conference talks revived it. It aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for collegiate athletics.

   What is confirmed

   • The Protect College Sports Act is a bipartisan bill intended to regulate college sports.
   • The Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences support the Protect College Sports Act.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ted Cruz expects the bill to pass the Senate this week.
   • Ted Cruz envisions President Trump signing the bill during the 2026 football season.

   What to watch next

   • The official Senate vote tally on the Protect College Sports Act.
   • Confirmation of a presidential signature date.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.cbssports.com — Ted Cruz envisions Trump signing college sports bill during 2026 football season, but Senate hurdles remain
   2. tucson.com — Inside high-stakes scramble that brought Protect College Sports Act back from the dead
   3. sports.yahoo.com — Will the Big Ten's and SEC’s support help pass the Protect College Sports Act?
   4. eu.indystar.com — Why Indiana Sen. Todd Young flipping his Protect College Sports Act vote matters
   confidence 90%
2. 2d ago

   Big Ten and SEC Back Protect College Sports Act

   The Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences agreed on Friday to support the Protect College Sports Act. This bipartisan bill seeks to regulate college sports and now has a chance to reach the Senate floor for a vote next week. The agreement follows a week of intense negotiations that revived the legislation after it previously faced a potential failure.

   Why it matters

   The bill aims to codify name, image, and likeness rights for student athletes. It requires the cooperation of major conferences to ensure broad implementation across collegiate athletics.

   What is confirmed

   • The Big Ten and SEC agreed to support the Protect College Sports Act on Friday.
   • The bill seeks to regulate college sports.
   • The legislation may go to the Senate floor for a vote next week.

   What to watch next

   • The scheduling of the full Senate vote
   • The final text of the bipartisan measure
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.cbssports.com — Big Ten, SEC join to support Protect College Sports Act, breathing new life into landmark legislation
   2. ca.sports.yahoo.com — Penn State Opponent Preview: Week Two, at the Temple Owls
   3. www.nytimes.com — Big Ten, SEC finally green-light college sports bill, teeing up historic trip to Senate floor
   4. www.deseret.com — SEC, Big Ten add long-missing support to college sports bill and revive its chances in the Senate
   5. ca.sports.yahoo.com — Seattle Voice Issues Chilling Warning About Trail Blazers’ Future
   6. ca.sports.yahoo.com — Jim Dandy Results: Renegade Wins, Commandment Places, Silent Tactic Shows
   confidence 100%
3. 5d ago

   Protect College Sports Act nearing full Senate vote

   The Protect College Sports Act is on track for a full Senate vote as parties finalize legislation to regulate college sports. The bill has undergone revisions to accommodate the Big Ten and SEC. A Senate recess is approaching, with a Wednesday deadline looming.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Protect College Sports Act has undergone revisions to accommodate the Big Ten and SEC.
   • Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti stated the Power 2 conferences maintained close communication while awaiting these changes.
   • The Senate is approaching recess, with a deadline for the bill looming.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. College sports legislation on the brink: Big Ten, SEC await critical bill language as Senate clock winds down
   2. U.S. Senate adjourns without scheduling a vote on Protect College Sports Act, per report
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   confidence 80%
4. 6d ago

   Protect College Sports Act revised to address conference concerns

   The Protect College Sports Act has undergone revisions to accommodate the Big Ten and SEC. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti stated the Power 2 conferences maintained close communication while awaiting these changes. The bill faces a Wednesday deadline as a Senate recess approaches.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Protect College Sports Act has been revised to address concerns from the Big Ten and SEC.
   • Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said the Power 2 conferences were in "close communication" regarding changes to the bill's language.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Some sources claim concessions were made specifically to appease the Big Ten and SEC.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Protect College Sports Act readies concessions to Big Ten, SEC | Exclusive
   2. Report: Protect College Sports Act revised to address Big Ten, SEC concerns
   3. Tony Petitti: Big Ten ready for Protect College Sports Act revisions, expects ‘back and forth’ before resolution
   4. Louisiana Senate Primary Runoff Results 2026
   5. Revised Protect College Sports Act Puts Pressure on Big Ten and SEC
   confidence 90%
5. 35d ago

   Senate Authors Seek House Talks on Protect College Sports Act

   The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 has moved past the Senate Commerce Committee and awaits a full Senate vote. Authors intend to begin discussions with House Republicans and Democrats to secure a signature from President Donald Trump before the August recess. The bill establishes national standards for athlete compensation.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 advanced from the Senate Commerce Committee to a full Senate vote.
   • The bill sets national standards for college athlete compensation.
   • The measure faces opposition from the Big Ten and SEC conferences.
   • Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Maria Cantwell and Senator Ted Cruz led a June 4 hearing on the matter.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The bill includes a provision from Senator Eric Schmitt to allow schools to collectively pool media rights.
   • The bill includes a provision from Senator Eric Schmitt to grow revenue.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. Senate college sports bill authors plan talks with House
   2. The Watercooler: College Sports Act advances to senate
   3. Schmitt Cheers Committee Passage of His Bipartisan Protect College ...
   4. What is the status of the Protect College Sports Act? - Global Sports ...
   5. College sports bill making headway in US Senate but obstacles remain
   6. College sports bill making headway in US Senate but obstacles remain
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   confidence 95%
6. 40d ago

   Protect College Sports Act advances to full Senate vote

   The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to move the Protect College Sports Act to the full Senate floor. The bill faces opposition from the Big Ten and SEC conferences. Lawmakers aim to resolve the standoff before the August recess.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to advance the Protect College Sports Act to the full Senate.
   • The SEC and Big Ten conferences oppose the legislation.
   • Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell co-authored the bipartisan bill.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Brendan Sorsby controversy has increased calls for reform regarding athlete gambling rules.
   Sources used for this update (7)

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   2. Clock is ticking as Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell push for SEC, Big ...
   3. Cruz and Cantwell race the clock on college sports bill as SEC and Big ...
   4. College sports bill advances as Brendan Sorsby saga intensifies calls ...
   5. Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act Advances to Full Senate
   6. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big Ten ...
   7. Protect College Sports Act headed to Senate for full vote
   confidence 100%
7. 43d ago

   Protect College Sports Act Advances to Full Senate Vote

   The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026. The bipartisan bill aims to stabilize college sports by regulating athlete transfers and payments. It now awaits a full Senate vote.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 with a 19-9 vote.
   • The bipartisan bill seeks to regulate athlete payments and transfers.
   • The legislation now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. Legislation overhauling college sports clears major Senate test | AP News
   2. Legislation overhauling college sports faces major test in the Senate
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   confidence 100%
8. 45d ago

   Protect College Sports Act Advances to Full Senate Vote

   The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 with a 19-9 vote. The bipartisan legislation now moves to the full Senate for consideration. It seeks to stabilize college sports by regulating NIL payments and protecting scholarship and healthcare rights.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation with a 19-9 vote.
   • The legislation is now heading to the full Senate for a vote.
   • The bill aims to codify the rights of athletes to earn NIL compensation.
   • The act intends to protect healthcare and scholarship rights and restrict predatory agents.
   • The Big Ten and SEC conferences continue to oppose the bill.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The bill aims to restrict coaches from changing jobs during a season and limit players to one free transfer.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Protect College Sports Act passes Senate committee amid continued Big Ten, SEC opposition
   2. Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act Advances to Full Senate
   3. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle - Spectrum News
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   confidence 100%
9. 46d ago

   Senate Commerce Committee Advances Protect College Sports Act

   The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to advance the Protect College Sports Act to a full Senate vote. The bipartisan bill, led by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, aims to regulate student-athlete payments in the NIL era. It moves forward despite continued opposition from the SEC and Big Ten conferences.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Senate Commerce Committee passed the Protect College Sports Act with a 19-9 vote.
   • The legislation is now headed for a full vote on the Senate floor.
   • Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are leading the bipartisan bill.
   • The Big Ten and SEC conferences oppose the legislation.
   • The bill is supported by 24 collegiate athletic conferences and 267 colleges and universities across 49 states and Washington, D.C.
   • The National Football League has endorsed the act.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Senate Majority Leader John Thune may make changes to the bill before bringing it to the floor.
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. Protect College Sports Act headed to Senate for full vote
   2. Protect College Sports Act passes Senate committee amid continued Big Ten, SEC opposition
   3. Ted Cruz bill to regulate college sports in NIL era advances
   4. Senate advances landmark Protect College Sports Act, ignoring SEC and Big Ten opposition with clock ticking
   5. Senate Commerce advances college sports package
   6. Sen. Ted Cruz has a Hail Mary plan to save college sports
   7. Protect College Sports Act is on track for a full Senate vote
   8. College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big Ten opposition
   9. Big Ten, SEC commissioners ripped by key senator for continued opposition to Protect College Sports Act — 'People have to wake up'
   10. Joint Statement from Big Ten, SEC Presidents & Chancellors
   11. College sports bill passes Senate committee despite SEC, Big Ten ...
   12. Protect College Sports Act advances to vote in Senate
   confidence 100%