SEC and Big Ten withhold support for Protect College Sports Act

The SEC and Big Ten conferences issued a joint statement saying they will not support the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, arguing the bill “leaves critical issues unresolved.” Among the concerns is the lack of a meaningful federal preemption of state laws, a provision long viewed as essential for gaining NCAA and conference backing.

The legislation, drafted by Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑TX) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D‑WA), would grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption to enforce rules on athlete transfers, eligibility and coach‑poaching, and would allow conferences to pool their media rights. The bill has backing from the Big 12 and ACC, but the SEC and Big Ten, the two richest conferences with influence over the College Football Playoff, withdrew their support less than 24 hours before a Senate Commerce Committee hearing chaired by Cruz.

Sen. Cruz said the bill is intended “to preempt state laws that conflict with the provisions in this bill.” A Commerce Committee spokesperson confirmed the committee is aware of the SEC‑Big Ten position.