The Protect College Sports Act is a bipartisan proposal designed to create a single national framework for college athletics as schools, conferences, and the NCAA continue to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of NIL, revenue sharing, athlete transfers, and conference realignment. If enacted, it would replace the current patchwork of state laws with one federal standard governing how college sports operate.

One of the bill's biggest provisions establishes nationwide NIL rules, allowing student-athletes to continue profiting from their name, image, and likeness while creating stronger oversight to prevent pay-for-play arrangements disguised as endorsement deals. The legislation also formally recognizes direct revenue sharing between schools and athletes, maintaining a cap tied to a percentage of athletic department revenue while creating a structure for future adjustments.

The bill would restore transfer regulations by allowing athletes one unrestricted transfer with immediate eligibility. Additional transfers would generally require athletes to sit out one academic year unless they qualify for an exception, such as a coaching change or documented hardship.

The Protect College Sports Act also expands the NCAA's authority by providing greater legal protection to enforce eligibility, recruiting, NIL, and transfer rules. Supporters argue this would reduce the constant stream of antitrust lawsuits that have weakened the NCAA's ability to govern college athletics.

Student-athlete protections are another major component. Schools would be required to provide enhanced medical coverage for athletic injuries, mental health resources, academic support, and degree-completion assistance. The legislation also includes scholarship protections designed to provide athletes with greater long-term security.

Another controversial section addresses conference realignment. The proposal would limit Power Four conferences to 19 member institutions, restrict conference mergers, and require schools leaving one power conference for another to remain independent for five years before joining a new power league.

Supporters believe the legislation would bring stability, uniformity, and competitive balance to college athletics. Critics argue it grants too much authority to the NCAA while limiting athlete freedom, conference movement, and the rapidly evolving marketplace surrounding college sports.

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