Senate Passes College Sports Act

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act in a 77-22 bipartisan vote, moving national regulation of college athletics closer to law. The bill would set federal rules for athlete pay tied to name, image and likeness, along with transfers and eligibility. Supporters say court rulings and a 2025 settlement allowing schools to pay athletes left colleges with fragmented rules, frequent transfers and rising costs. The measure gives the NCAA limited antitrust protection and enforcement power. It also limits athletes to one transfer without sitting out and sets a five-year eligibility standard. The bill now goes to the House, where action is uncertain after the November midterms.