The NFL, its union and the NBA Players Association sent congressional letters backing the Protect College Sports Act. Their statements praised the bill’s voluntary pooling of media rights under the Sports Broadcasting Act, a model the SEC and Big Ten had opposed. The joint endorsement arrives as the Commerce Committee prepares a Thursday markup before a Senate floor vote.

Both unions highlighted provisions that safeguard athletes, including guaranteed NIL rights and medical benefits. They urged continued stakeholder engagement to strengthen the bill, noting that the act would grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption to enforce rules on transfers, eligibility and coach poaching. The bipartisan draft blends concerns from Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Washington Democrat Maria Cantwell again.

Support from the NFL and NBA gives the bill weight as the Commerce Committee votes. A majority of 15 of 28 members must approve it, regardless of party. While the Big 12 and ACC back the measure, the Big Ten and SEC remain critical, citing unresolved federal preemption issues. The bill’s fate will shape college athletics’ legal and financial future.