Senate votes to move forward with Protect College Sports Act

The Senate on Tuesday voted to advance the Protect College Sports Act, an NCAA-backed, bipartisan bill aimed at setting federal guidelines for college sports amid a rapidly shifting landscape.

The measure advanced on a 74-24 vote; it needed 60 votes to proceed. Timing on a vote for final passage in the Senate is unclear at the time. The legislation would still need to pass the House if it makes it through the Senate.

The Protect College Sports Act is the latest attempt to set a national standard for the rules of college sports. In recent years, a variety of issues — ranging from eligibility to compensation — have been challenged in state courts.

Decisions and temporary injunctions have quickly changed NCAA rules that had been in place for decades, paving the way for athletes to transfer schools freely or be compensated by their schools directly.

The Protect College Sports Act aims to set a national standard regarding issues that include years of eligibility, how often players can transfer, compensation and more.

The bill would also grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption and prevent future legal challenges over such rules. Professional leagues, such as the NFL and NBA, have antitrust exemptions.

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business