Protect College Sports Act advances in Senate committee despite SEC, Big Ten opposition

The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act cleared the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on a 19‑9 vote, moving the proposal toward a full Senate vote. The bill would regulate athlete compensation, limit player transfers to one free move, restrict mid‑season coaching changes, and allow conferences to pool media rights under special legal protection. It also adds safeguards for women's and Olympic sports, requires colleges to cover injuries and provide five‑year health benefits, and protects athletes’ NIL rights.

The legislation has backing from the NFL, the NFL Players Association and the NBAPA, while the SEC and Big Ten have voiced concerns about media‑rights pooling and potential litigation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he hopes to bring the bill to the floor before the August recess. Opponents argue the bill could limit revenue for the power conferences, but supporters contend it levels the playing field for smaller schools and athletes.