The landscape of college athletics is shifting as the Big Ten and SEC have officially thrown their weight behind the Protect College Sports Act. Following intense negotiations that lasted until the final hours, university presidents and chancellors reached an agreement on Friday to support the federal legislation. This move marks a pivot for the two leagues, which had previously held out against the bill despite pressure from lawmakers and the White House.
At the center of the deal are new, specific measures to prevent schools from bypassing athlete revenue-share caps. Under the terms, corporate sponsors and apparel brands must now undergo an attestation process to verify that their NIL agreements remain independent from school control. This provision aims to close loopholes where sponsorship funds were previously redirected to boost athlete compensation beyond established limits. The bill also raises the athlete revenue-share cap significantly, moving the figure to $48.8 million when accounting for retention pools and funds designated for women and non-revenue sports.
The legislation goes beyond revenue caps by introducing broad industry regulations. It grants the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption to standardize eligibility policies and restore the one-time transfer exception. Additionally, the bill includes provisions such as the Ignite HBCUs Sports and Media Act and a rule that restricts coaches from leaving teams mid-season. It also sets a cap on power conference membership at 19 schools, a measure that potentially alters future realignment decisions for programs currently looking to shift leagues.
Senate leaders now eye a floor vote as early as next week before the upcoming legislative recess. Senator Eric Schmitt anticipates significant bipartisan backing, potentially securing enough votes to surpass the 60-member threshold required for passage. If the Senate approves the measure, it will move to the House of Representatives, representing a conclusion to a seven-year push for federal intervention in the college sports industry. While the bill still faces a crowded Senate calendar, supporters remain focused on finalizing the language to stabilize the current NIL and transfer market before the midterm election cycle intensifies.