Last updated: November 1, 2026
The Protect College Sports Act passed the U.S. Senate 77-22 on September 28, 2026, the first time either chamber of Congress has approved broad federal rules for college athletics. Written by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), the bill now heads to the House, which returns November 9, so here is what it would change for fans and athletes.
Quick summary
- The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act (S.4668) 77-22 after about six hours of debate.
- It would write the House v. NCAA settlement into law and add a $22.5 million retention fund, with total potential athlete pay of about $50 million per school per year.
- Athletes would get one transfer without sitting out and five years of eligibility.
- The House returns November 9; any change sends the bill back to the Senate.
The Protect College Sports Act at a Glance
According to the Senate Commerce Committee, the bill codifies athletes’ right to earn from their name, image and likeness, sets enforceable eligibility and transfer rules, and blocks the wealthiest conferences from breaking away into a super league. Details below are summarized from CBS Sports and Forbes.
Athlete pay
Schools could pay athletes from three sources: the settlement’s revenue-sharing cap ($21.58 million for 2026-27), a new $22.5 million retention fund, and $5 million for women’s and Olympic sports, for a maximum of about $50 million a year. Forbes notes the revenue-sharing pieces last only as long as the settlement unless Congress extends them.
Transfers and eligibility
Athletes could transfer once without sitting out, with extra exceptions in specific situations. They would get five years to play, with exceptions for serious injuries and medical conditions.
Agents and NIL contracts
Agents would have to register and would be capped at a 5% fee, and they could not mislead athletes about NIL deals. NIL contracts would have to spell out key terms and could not bind athletes beyond their college eligibility.
Coaches, conferences and Olympic sports
- Coaches and key football staff could not leave midseason for another FBS program.
- Conferences would be capped at 20 members, and schools switching power conferences would face a waiting period.
- Schools with $80 million or more in revenue would have to keep non-revenue sports and aid at 2024-25 levels.
- Football and basketball games would have to be available on free local TV.
What the bill does not decide
The bill does not settle whether athletes are employees. It also includes a $900 million allocation for HBCUs, which critics describe as a non-binding pledge.
What It Would Mean for Fans
- Calmer rosters. One free transfer instead of unlimited moves means less turnover each year. Our basketball transfer tracker would still be busy, but fewer players would move twice.
- Rivalries protected. The super league ban and conference rules are written partly to keep traditional games on the schedule.
- Games on free TV. Every football and basketball game would need a free local TV outlet in the home market.
- Coaches stay through the season. No more head coaches leaving for another FBS job midyear.
What the Protect College Sports Act Means for Athletes
- A federal right to earn from NIL, replacing today’s patchwork of state laws like the ones in our Georgia NIL laws guide.
- More guardrails on deals: registered agents, a 5% fee cap and clearer contracts.
- More potential pay at schools that use every pool, including money set aside for women’s and Olympic sports.
- Fewer options to move, with one penalty-free transfer instead of unlimited.
Supporters and Critics
CBS Sports reports that supporters include Senate leadership, President Trump, 32 conferences and more than 370 schools, according to the White House. Cruz says the bill ends the chaos in college sports, while Cantwell argues it slows a spending race and helps protect women’s and Olympic sports.
Opponents include the College Football Players Association, Athletes.org, Sens. Chris Murphy and Cory Booker, the NAACP, the AFL-CIO and the Congressional Black Caucus. Critics say the bill was written without enough athlete input and limits rights athletes could otherwise gain through collective bargaining or lawsuits.
What Happens Next
- House return: The House returns November 9, after the November 3 midterms, and Speaker Mike Johnson has said the bill will wait until then.
- Possible changes: Some House Republicans want to ban classifying athletes as employees, and others want a cap on international players. Any change sends the bill back to the Senate.
- Short clock: Government funding runs out December 11, and any bill not signed by January 3, when the new Congress starts, must start over.
- Backup plans: Several power conferences have worked on self-governance models since May in case the bill fails.
For how revenue sharing already works at individual schools, see our University of Tennessee NIL guide and our Mountain West basketball NIL breakdown.
FAQ
Did the Protect College Sports Act pass?
It passed the Senate 77-22 on September 28, 2026. It still needs House approval and a presidential signature to become law.
How much could schools pay athletes under the bill?
Up to about $50 million a year, combining the settlement revenue-sharing cap, a $22.5 million retention fund and $5 million for women’s and Olympic sports.
Does the bill make college athletes employees?
No. The Senate version does not decide whether athletes are employees, though some House Republicans want to add a ban.
When will the House vote on the Protect College Sports Act?
No vote is scheduled yet. The House returns November 9, and the bill must become law by January 3 or start over in the new Congress.
Follow College Athletes on RallyFuel
Whatever Congress decides, athletes keep the right to earn from their name, image and likeness. Explore college athlete profiles on RallyFuel, see who leads in the RallyFuel NIL Score, and make your predictions on upcoming games with RallyFuel Predictions.
