The bipartisan bill would establish federal standards for NIL, revenue sharing, scholarships and athlete medical coverage and now moves to the House.
The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act by a 77-22 vote Monday, advancing a bipartisan attempt to create nationwide rules for college athletics.
The bill, written by Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would codify college athletes’ right to earn name, image and likeness compensation and establish a federal framework for revenue sharing between schools and athletes.
Other provisions would cap agent fees at 5%, guarantee scholarships for up to 10 years after athletic eligibility ends, require Division I schools to cover certain sports-related medical costs for five years after eligibility and prohibit schools from revoking scholarships because of injury or poor athletic performance.
The legislation would also allow one transfer with immediate eligibility and require schools to maintain minimum numbers of women’s and Olympic sports programs. Senators also approved an amendment allowing power conferences to include up to 20 teams.
Supporters say a federal framework is needed after years of conflicting state laws, lawsuits and changing NCAA policies. Some athlete advocates, labor organizations and civil-rights groups have criticized provisions that would limit certain antitrust claims against schools and the NCAA.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. If it passes there, it would go to President Trump, who has expressed support for the legislation.
