Sweeping new federal rules for college sports are one step closer to becoming law after the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation championed by Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
The Protect College Sports Act passed the chamber in a vote of 77-22 on Monday evening.
An overwhelming majority of Republicans were joined by most Democrats in support of the measure. A minority of Democrats joined Sen. Rand Paul (R–KY) in opposition.
Cruz originally introduced the legislation in late spring.
The original version of the bill contained a name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation rule, a limited anti-trust exemption to allow the NCAA to sell collective media rights, standardized transfer policies, and restrictions on in-season coaching hires. The measure also preempted a series of conflicting state laws to create a uniform national standard.
While these aspects were largely retained, other aspects of the legislation were altered during legislative negotiations.
Provisions related to conference realignment were relaxed to permit future expansion by Power 4 conferences.
A provision related to revenue sharing between schools and student-athletes was expanded to create two new dedicated funds. The first fund will enable schools to retain currently enrolled student-athletes. The second will cover women’s and Olympic sports.
The final version of the legislation was supported by the NCAA, all of its major conferences, and all major U.S. professional sports leagues.
President Donald Trump praised the Senate vote, calling the legislation “a really big deal” and saying it “will not only save college sports, it will save the colleges themselves.” The White House had urged Congress to pass the measure ahead of the vote, arguing that years of disputes over NIL, transfers, eligibility, and revenue sharing had left college athletics without consistent rules.
Cruz thanked Trump for his support after the vote and urged the House to act next.
“The Senate just passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22. Now the House needs to finish the job and send it to the President,” Cruz wrote.
“Let’s put the bill and a pen in front of President Trump on the set of College GameDay. Let’s get it done.”
Texas Tech University System Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell, a prominent advocate for the legislation, also celebrated the vote, calling the bill “a huge step forward” for college sports.
“This bill is a huge step forward in protecting opportunity, stability, and sustainability of this uniquely American institution—especially women’s sports, our Olympic programs, and the often-forgotten communities that revolve around and depend on college sports,” Campbell wrote.
He also urged the House “to move as quickly as possible and send this bill to the President’s desk.”
The legislation now heads to the U.S. House, where its prospects for passage remain uncertain.
