Protect College Sports Act gains Big Ten and SEC support, faces Senate vote
The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, would create a uniform national framework for college athletics, raise the name‑image‑likeness (NIL) revenue‑share cap from $21.3 million to $48.8 million, and add a $27.5 million retention pool for athletes. The bill also seeks an antitrust exemption for the NCAA and stricter transfer and eligibility rules.
Earlier in the legislative session the SEC and Big Ten conferences withheld support, citing concerns over language that could allow schools to circumvent the cap through associated‑entity deals. Their lack of backing left the bill’s prospects in peril and the Senate adjourned without scheduling a vote, with Majority Leader John Thune not filing cloture before the August recess.
President Donald Trump and White‑House officials have publicly urged passage, and NCAA President Charlie Baker has called the legislation “the bill we need now.” After weeks of negotiation, the Big Ten and SEC have now announced their support, giving the bill a chance to reach the Senate floor before the August recess, though timing remains uncertain.
Entities: Big Ten Conference · Charlie Baker · John Thune · Maria Cantwell · NCAA · Protect College Sports Act · Protect College Sports Act · Southeastern Conference · Southeastern Conference (SEC) · Ted Cruz
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The SEC and Big Ten conferences have not voted on the Protect College Sports Act. (NCAA President implores article; Senate adjourn article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Big 12 conference affirmed support for the Protect College Sports Act while seeking clarification on the associated entity provision. (NCAA President implores article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ACC has not taken a formal vote on the Protect College Sports Act, but there is wide support within the league. (existing)
- [● 3 SOURCES] President Donald Trump has publicly supported the Protect College Sports Act. (existing)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The U.S. Senate adjourned without scheduling a vote on the Protect College Sports Act. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] If the bill does not receive a vote before the Senate recess, it is unlikely to be considered again until September after the midterm elections. (NCAA President implores article)
- [● 3 SOURCES] NCAA President Charlie Baker said the legislation would grant student‑athletes unprecedented academic, health and wellness benefits, rein in agents, and stabilize transfer, eligibility and revenue‑sh (existing)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Senate Majority Leader John Thune did not file cloture for the Protect College Sports Act. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Curt Cignetti is head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers football team, which won the 2025 College Football Playoff national championship and achieved a 27‑2 record. (media coverage)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Protect College Sports Act proposes limiting transfer movement, raising a compensation cap, and standardizing five years of player eligibility. (existing)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Without Big Ten and SEC support, the Protect College Sports Act faces steep odds of passage in Congress. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Indiana’s record under Cignetti is 27‑2 overall, with back‑to‑back College Football Playoff appearances and a national title. (coach’s statements)