Senate Delays Vote on Protect College Sports Act Until September

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate did not vote on the Protect College Sports Act before lawmakers left for their summer recess, delaying action on the bipartisan college athletics legislation until September.

The measure, which would establish new regulations governing athlete compensation and name, image and likeness (NIL) payments, was added to the Senate calendar after the chamber returns from its break.

“College sports is something that needs to be fixed. They have a good solution,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. “We got it teed up for next month.”

The bill, introduced in late May, initially struggled to gain support from the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference before both conferences backed the proposal following negotiations last month.

Despite that support, the legislation encountered opposition from several senators representing SEC states, including Tommy Tuberville and Josh Hawley. The Congressional Black Caucus and the AFL-CIO also voiced opposition as the bill approached a vote.

The measure was ultimately pushed down the Senate agenda by other legislative priorities, including consideration of a short-term funding bill and the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general.

Bill co-sponsor Ted Cruz said lawmakers have worked to address what he described as instability in college athletics and predicted the bill would receive enough support to advance.

Co-sponsor Maria Cantwell said she expects the legislation to be considered when the Senate returns in September.

If approved by the Senate, the bill would still need to pass the U.S. House of Representatives.

Among its key provisions, the Protect College Sports Act would redefine how third-party NIL agreements are regulated. Under the proposal, some compensation currently provided through third-party entities affiliated with schools would shift into an expanded revenue-sharing model of up to $48.8 million, while preserving opportunities for independent endorsement deals that are not connected to a school's existing commercial relationships.

Supporters say the changes are intended to curb escalating spending in college athletics while allowing athletes to continue earning compensation through legitimate NIL opportunities.