# Senate Takes Up College Sports Bill

> A bipartisan Senate bill would set national rules for athlete pay, transfers, NIL rights, conference growth and medical costs.
- Title: Senate Takes Up College Sports Bill · Valleynewslive
- Summary: A bipartisan Senate bill would set national rules for athlete pay, transfers, NIL rights, conference growth and medical costs. The Protect College Sports Act…
- Keywords: protect college sports act, john hoeven, ted cruz, maria cantwell, college athletics, student athletes, house v. ncaa, athlete pay, nil rights, conference expansion, ndsu, craig bohl
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/16/senate-begins-debate-protect-college-sports-act-with-hoeven-cosponsor
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:20:46.11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: protect college sports act, john hoeven, ted cruz, maria cantwell, college athletics, student athletes, house v. ncaa, athlete pay, nil rights, conference expansion, ndsu, craig bohl
## Senate debate begins
The U.S. Senate began debate Tuesday on the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at making college athletics more stable and fair.
## Hoeven backs the bill
Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota is cosponsoring the measure, introduced by Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell through the Senate Commerce Committee.

> I love sports and I care about the long-term viability of our college athletic programs.
## Pay rules face strain
Hoeven's office says state laws and court rulings have created uneven rules, especially after the 2025 House v. NCAA settlement let schools pay athletes directly.
## Limits on money moves
The bill would limit school payments to athletes, curb player and coach poaching, restrict transfers and slow major conference consolidation.
## NIL and health protections
It would protect NIL rights, create a registry of certified agents, set a five-year playing cap and require Division I schools to cover sports injury costs.
## NDSU enters the pitch
Hoeven promoted the bill Monday with former NDSU football coach Craig Bohl and current NDSU track and field athlete Adam Dugger.
## Key takeaway

The Protect College Sports Act aims to replace uneven state rules with one federal framework for college athletics.