President Donald Trump is advocating for Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act, attending the No. 1 Texas-No. 14 Tennessee game in Knoxville shortly before the Senate is expected to vote on the bill. The legislation, introduced in May by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Chris Coons (D-DE), aims to address challenges facing college athletics. Trump first expressed support for the bill in June and reiterated his backing in an August statement from the White House. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated, "The President urges the Senate to pass the Protect College Sports Act, codifying meaningful solutions to the challenges currently threatening college athletics."
Trump has characterized the current state of college sports as dire, suggesting that inaction could lead to financial difficulties for schools. He stated, "College sports are turning into pro sports, except with absolutely no rules, a result no one wants," citing concerns from university officials about financial losses. Trump has linked the bill to the success of U.S. Olympic teams, noting that college sports contribute significantly to Olympic rosters. He has expressed a commitment to signing the bill upon its passage.
A June poll commissioned by the advocacy group Saving College Sports indicated that 72% of 1,600 likely voters support the legislation, which is significant for the GOP ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The Senate advanced the bill with a vote of 74-25 and adopted an amendment by Cruz and Cantwell with a vote of 77-23, with a final vote scheduled for Monday. However, the House of Representatives poses a larger challenge, as it is out of session until after the midterm elections, and any vote would likely occur during a lame-duck session, which historically complicates legislative passage.
The Protect College Sports Act includes provisions to increase revenue-sharing caps for schools, establish a one-time transfer policy, and provide medical coverage for athletes. It also seeks to grant a limited antitrust exemption for the NCAA and preempt conflicting state laws regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements.
Support for the bill has grown, with backing from 28 collegiate conferences and over 370 colleges and universities. However, opposition primarily comes from the Congressional Black Caucus, which argues that the bill lacks meaningful input from the athletes it affects, particularly in football and basketball. Critics, including NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson, emphasize the need for legislation that guarantees athletes a voice and fair economic rights.
The bill's future in the House remains uncertain, with House leaders expressing criticism and the Congressional Black Caucus's opposition posing a significant hurdle. Senators have indicated that additional support may require amendments to address collective bargaining rights for athletes. The political implications for Republicans regarding women's sports issues also add complexity to the bill's prospects as the midterm elections approach.