Senate approves sweeping bill to regulate college sports, despite opposition from some Democrats

Updated on: September 28, 2026 / 10:18 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — The Senate on Thursday approved a sweeping college sports bill to establish a federal framework for college athletics aimed at protecting student athletes — despite some pushback from Democrats who argue that it could do the opposite.

In a 77 to 22 vote, the Senate passed the bill, known as the Protect College Sports Act, with some amendments. The bill regulates college athletics, including transfer eligibility and name, image and likeness rights. Its backers argue that it will stabilize college athletics as a flood of money enters the space.

Proponents of the bill tout its uniform eligibility rules, transparency around athletic compensation and moves aimed at safeguarding opportunities in women's and Olympic sports.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, the bill's sponsor, said it is aimed at quelling the "uncontrollable bidding wars" that could lead colleges to drop less lucrative college sports.

"The system we have today is unsustainable, plain and simple. Students are transferring three and four times, pros are trying to play ball against college kids, conflicting court decisions have created a fragmented system, one that no one intended. And young men and women…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/