College Sports Bill Passes Senate: What We Know

The U.S. Senate recently passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 by a vote of 77-22, advancing it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The legislation aims to establish rules for college athletics, addressing the growing trend of athletes earning money from their name, image, and likeness. Supporters argue the bill is crucial for creating stability in a system that has been fragmented by a patchwork of state laws, while critics question the potential impact on athletes' rights.

New Jersey Democrat Senator Cory Booker expressed his opposition on X, stating that the bill "pulls the rug out from under" college athletes who generate billions of dollars for universities, conferences, and the NCAA. Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, celebrated the vote, calling it a "monumental day" for college athletics and praising the bill's ability to protect student-athletes and the tradition of college sports.

With the Senate's approval, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for a vote. President Donald Trump praised the legislation, calling it "a really big deal" and congratulating Randy Levine, President of the New York Yankees, along with all those involved in the success of the bill.