Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act of 2026

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The U.S. Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 with a 77-22 vote on Monday night, aiming to reform the collegiate athletic system concerning transfers and player likeness payments. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

This legislation proposes establishing uniform rules across college athletics, seeking to replace the patchwork of state laws. Proponents argue it will bring stability to a system affected by athletes’ ability to monetize their name, image, and likeness. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential limitation of athletes’ rights.

Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, strongly opposed the bill. He stated on social media platform X, “College athletes put their bodies on the line every day and generate billions for their universities, conferences, and the NCAA. The Protect College Sports Act undermines them. I will continue fighting for college athletes’ rights and protections.”

Republican Senator Ted Cruz from Texas, who chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, praised the bill’s passage as a significant achievement. He expressed confidence that the House would support it, stating, “The Senate voted to protect the student athletes and preserve the tradition of college sports for future generations.”

President Donald Trump acknowledged the Senate’s decision as a “big deal,” congratulating Randy Levine of the New York Yankees and his collaborators on their efforts.

The proposed bill builds on a 2025 court decision that permitted schools to pay athletes for their names, images, and likenesses, according to the Associated Press.