LATEST UPDATE
Protect College Sports Act of 2026
On September 28, 2026, the United States Senate passed the bipartisan Protect College Sports
Act by a vote of 77–22.
The legislation would create significant federal rules and protections affecting college athletics.
Among its provisions are:
• A federal right for college athletes to earn NIL compensation
• National standards replacing varying state NIL laws
• NIL contract and agent protections
• A 5% cap on athlete-agent fees
• Scholarship protections
• Academic protections
• Health and safety requirements
• Medical coverage requirements
• Athlete compensation/revenue-sharing provisions
• Protections intended to preserve women's and Olympic sports
• Rules affecting transfers and eligibility
IS IT LAW YET?
No.
Senate passage represents a major step, but the legislation must still complete the federal
legislative process.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Protect College Sports Act now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for
consideration.
If the House passes the same legislation, the measure could then move to the President.
If the House passes a different version, Congress would need to resolve the differences before
final legislation could be presented to the President.
WHY SHOULD STUDENT-ATHLETES AND PARENTS CARE?
Changes in federal law could affect:
NIL + RECRUITING + TRANSFERS + COMPENSATION + AGENTS +
SCHOLARSHIPS + HEALTH BENEFITS + ATHLETE RIGHTS
That is why education matters.
TGBA will continue monitoring developments in NIL, college athletics, recruiting, revenue
sharing and federal legislation affecting student-athletes and their families.
Educational information only. TGBA does not provide legal, tax, or financial-advisory services.
Athletes and families should consult appropriately qualified professionals when making legal,
tax, contract, or financial decisions.