US Senate passes landmark overhaul of college sports

The US Senate voted 72-22 on Monday to pass the Protect College Sports Act, a landmark federal framework designed to regulate the multibillion-dollar college sports industry. The bipartisan legislation aims to establish national rules governing athlete payments, restrict transfers, and grant limited protection from antitrust lawsuits for the NCAA.

Following years of upheaval and court battles, the bill would give schools the ability to spend nearly $50 million annually through revenue-sharing and other funds. Athletes would be allowed one transfer without sitting out a season, and agent fees would be capped at five percent. The bill also seeks to provide longer-term scholarship and healthcare protections for women's and Olympic sports.

While President Donald Trump endorsed the legislation and praised its passage, the measure has faced opposition from Democrats and various activist groups concerned about its impact on athletes' legal rights.