Protect College Sports Act includes major HBCU media investment

The Protect College Sports Act of 2026, which aims to introduce reforms and safeguards into the college athletics landscape, has garnered bipartisan support and approval from the "Power 2" of the Big Ten and SEC. The legislation targets various aspects of college sports, including coaching moves, multi-transfer eligibility, athlete rights protection, and sports broadcasting.

Title III of the Act, known as the IGNITE HBCUs Sports and Media Act, is specifically designed to address the needs of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). This component of the legislation seeks to provide competitive grants for long-term improvements to broadband, information technology, and media infrastructure at eligible Black colleges.

These grants could support journalism programs, enhance equipment for live coverage of college athletic events, and help HBCUs overcome competitive disadvantages due to inadequate production infrastructure.

As the Senate Commerce Committee has advanced the bill with a 19-9 vote on June 18, HBCUs such as those in the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC could benefit significantly from these grants. These institutions currently have long-term media rights deals with ESPN and are now exploring their next steps following the expiration of their HBCU GO agreements.

The bill must now undergo review by U.S. senators and a subsequent floor vote before its implementation ahead of the upcoming college football season, with congressional recess beginning in August.