The landscape of college athletics is on the verge of a significant shift. Following intense pressure from federal lawmakers and the White House, the Big Ten and SEC have officially signaled their support for the Protect College Sports Act. This move concludes days of urgent negotiations between conference executives and United States senators.
The legislation introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for the college sports industry. A central component of the agreement involves a new revenue-share cap structure. The bill raises the athlete compensation cap from $21.3 million to $48.8 million, which includes a dedicated $22.5 million retention pool and $5 million specifically for women and non-revenue sports. To address concerns about schools exceeding these limits through third-party agreements, the bill mandates an attestation process. This requires sponsors and apparel brands to certify that NIL payments are legitimate and not directed by the school.
Beyond compensation, the act outlines specific rules regarding conference operations. It caps power conference membership at 19 schools and requires programs moving between leagues to operate as independents for five years. The bill also includes provisions such as an agent registry and a 5% limit on agent fees. Coaches will face restrictions on leaving teams before a season ends, a policy informally described as the Lane Kiffin Rule.
Senate leaders intend to push for a floor vote as early as next week before a scheduled recess. Senator Eric Schmitt expressed confidence that the bipartisan legislation possesses enough support to pass the Senate. While the measure still requires approval from the House of Representatives, the backing of the two most powerful conferences marks a major milestone for the NCAA after years of lobbying for federal intervention. If passed, the act will standardize eligibility policies and establish a limited antitrust exemption for the organization.