The Protect College Sports Act cleared the Commerce Committee 19‑9, sending it to the full Senate for the first vote on a comprehensive college‑sports overhaul. Sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, the proposal grants the NCAA an antitrust exemption to enforce payment caps, eligibility rules and transfer limits, and to centralize media‑rights sales for broader funding.

Supporters argue the measure would let schools sell media rights as a single entity, narrowing the revenue gap between powerhouse conferences and smaller programs. The SEC and Big Ten issued a joint statement demanding revisions, warning the current language fails to protect student‑athletes or ensure long‑term stability, and competitive balance. Senate leaders say negotiations will continue ahead of the November elections.

Opponents fear an antitrust carve‑out could lock smaller schools into unsustainable models, while the NCAA president called for compromise to address lingering gaps. If passed, the legislation would lock in the NCAA's control over athlete compensation for the foreseeable future. With the bill now on the Senate agenda, its fate hinges on whether lawmakers can reconcile conference objections and secure the exemption before the legislative calendar closes.