Senate passes college sports bill, but House action uncertain

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act by a 77-22 vote on September 28, approving a bill that would establish federal rules for athlete compensation, eligibility and transfers while granting the NCAA limited antitrust protection to enforce some of those rules. The House has not acted, leaving the measure’s prospects uncertain. Negotiated by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the legislation would create a national framework for name, image and likeness payments and revenue sharing. It would also set limits on athlete transfers and eligibility, regulate some payments tied to recruiting and establish protections involving scholarships, medical care and sports programs. The bill would allow the NCAA and member institutions to enforce certain rules without facing antitrust lawsuits. Supporters say uniform federal standards could reduce legal disputes and uncertainty in college athletics, where court rulings and changes to athlete compensation have altered longstanding rules. They also argue that limits on spending and transfers could help schools sustain women’s and Olympic sports.