Protect College Sports Act advances in Senate

The Protect College Sports Act has passed the Senate with bipartisan support in a 77-22 vote and is now moving to the House. Co-sponsored by Senator Marie Cantwell (D-Washington) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the legislation aims to address the increasing financial and regulatory instability within collegiate athletics.

Key provisions of the bill include establishing the legal right for athletes to earn a share of school revenue and protecting their ability to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness. The legislative push comes amid reports that 94% of Division I programs are currently operating at a loss. Since 2015, universities and state governments have increased spending by $520 million across 53 Power Four schools to manage rising costs.

This regulatory movement follows significant shifts in the college sports landscape, including conference realignment, the rise of the transfer portal, and increased television revenue. Despite these structural changes and concerns regarding the sustainability of current spending models, viewership for college football and basketball continues to reach record levels.