The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act by a 77-22 bipartisan vote, marking one of the last major legislative actions before the midterms. The bill aims to stabilize the collegiate sports landscape disrupted by frequent transfers, conference realignment, and booster influence. It establishes new rules for Name, Image, and Likeness compensation, limits athlete transfers to one sit-out season, and sets eligibility at five years. The measure grants the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption while protecting scholarships and health care guarantees. Despite support from major conferences and coaches, opponents argue the legislation restricts player opportunities and consolidates power away from athletes. An amendment to cap coaching salaries was defeated, and Democratic senators criticized the bill for limiting athlete leverage gained through recent court rulings.

The legislation now faces an uncertain future in the House, where its fate remains unclear amid ongoing debates about athlete rights and institutional control. Major sports conferences and powerful interest groups rallied behind the measure, highlighting the high stakes of reforming a system under pressure from legal challenges and financial shifts.