U.S. Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act In 77-22

The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act on Monday night, approving the sweeping college athletics bill by a 77-22 vote.

The bipartisan legislation, led by Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, would create a national framework for several major issues currently affecting college sports, including NIL compensation, revenue sharing, transfers, eligibility, scholarships and athlete health benefits.

The bill would also provide the NCAA with limited antitrust protections to enforce certain rules, including transfer restrictions, eligibility requirements and revenue-sharing limits.

Among the other provisions, the bill would cap agent fees at 5 percent, guarantee certain scholarship protections, provide five years of post-eligibility health care benefits and offer athletes assistance to complete their degrees for up to 10 years after their eligibility expires.

The Protect College Sports Act would also establish nationwide rules for NIL rather than relying on the current mix of state laws.

Monday's vote marked the first time either chamber of Congress has passed sweeping federal legislation regulating college athletics.

The bill is not law yet. It now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it would need to pass before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

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