Senate passes Protect College Sports Act 77-22

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77–22 on Monday, the first time either chamber of Congress has approved sweeping federal rules for college athletics. The bipartisan bill from Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) would create a federal NIL framework preempting the patchwork of state laws, cap direct school-to-athlete payments at roughly $49 million per school — more than double the $21.5 million House v. NCAA settlement cap — add a $22.5 million retention fund, and cap agent fees at 5%.

It also sets transfer rules (one penalty-free undergraduate transfer plus a graduate transfer) and gives the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption for enforcing the new rules. The bill builds on the 2025 House v. NCAA settlement that let schools pay athletes directly. Supporters say it brings stability after a "Wild West" era of bidding wars and litigation; critics say the antitrust shield limits athletes' ability to challenge pay caps in court. The House — divided on how much control Congress should exert over college sports — has until January 3 to act, or the bill dies.

Sources: Washington Examiner, The College Investor.