From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 20s
Senate advances bill to overhaul college sports
The Protect College Sports Act would create federal rules for athlete pay and transfers, replacing a patchwork of state laws.
In brief
The Protect College Sports Act would create federal rules for athlete pay and transfers, replacing a patchwork of state laws. The Senate advanced legislation to federalize college sports rules, but critics say it favors schools over athletes. Originally reported by ABC News.
Senate advances sports overhaul
The Senate passed a procedural vote 74-24 to advance legislation that would drastically change college athletics.
Federal rules replace state laws
The Protect College Sports Act would create a federal framework for NIL deals, transfers and eligibility instead of different state rules.
New protections for athletes
The bill caps agent fees and provides scholarship and health benefits. It also gives the NCAA more power to enforce national rules.
Trump backs the legislation
President Trump said last month he would sign the bill immediately. Senator Ted Cruz spearheaded the effort.
“The fundamental question before the Senate today, do we want college sports to have clear, national, enforceable rules”
Schools can pay athletes directly
The bill lets schools compensate athletes through revenue sharing. It also grants the NCAA immunity from antitrust lawsuits.
Critics say it limits earnings
Senator Cory Booker argues the bill reduces athletes' bargaining power by imposing earning caps and restrictions.
“They're getting all the financial gain and putting all of the burden and compromises and givebacks to college athletes”
House vote unlikely soon
The House is unlikely to take up the bill before leaving for midterm recess on Thursday.
The big picture
The Senate advanced legislation to federalize college sports rules, but critics say it favors schools over athletes.
