Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified before the Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday, urging lawmakers to "bring order to a system that badly needs fixing" in the NIL and transfer portal era. Saban argued Congress should create a national framework so college sports can enforce fair rules without endless lawsuits.

Saban backed the Protect College Sports Act, which would grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption to enforce rules limiting transfers to one time without penalty and capping eligibility at five years. The legislation also prohibits former professional athletes from playing college sports and blocks coach poaching during seasons. Sen. Ted Cruz called this the "Lane Kiffin rule" after LSU's controversial hire.

Saban revealed Alabama's NIL funds grew from $2.7 million to $24 million over recent years, warning that schools now approach $40 million roster spending. Other athletic leaders cautioned that unchecked financial disparity could create a "super league" of wealthy programs, fundamentally altering college football's character.

Despite bipartisan sponsorship from Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, the SEC and Big Ten oppose the bill as drafted, citing unresolved issues like state law preemption. The legislation needs 60 Senate votes and faces significant hurdles, though Cruz called it "the last best hope we have to save college sports."