In a push to reform the collegiate athletic system's protocol on transfers and player likeness payments, the U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 in a 77-22 vote Monday night. The upper chamber's passage now advances the bill to the House of Representatives for a vote.
The bill would establish rules governing college athletics as lawmakers seek to bring greater stability to a system reshaped by athletes’ ability to earn money from their name, image and likeness. Supporters argue that congressional action is needed to replace an assortment of state laws while critics have raised concerns about limiting athletes’ rights. Senator Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, took to X on Monday night to voice his opposition saying, "College athletes put their bodies on the line every day—and generate billions of dollars for their universities, conferences, and the NCAA.
The Protect College Sports Act pulls the rug out from under them. I will keep fighting alongside college athletes until they get the rights and protections they deserve." In an email sent to Newsweek following the vote, Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation said, "Today is a monumental day for college athletics.
The United States Senate voted to protect the hundreds of thousands of student athletes currently competing in college sports, the millions who will follow in their footsteps, and every college sports fan who wants to preserve this great American tradition for generations to come." "After years of discussions and months of intense deliberations, we achieved what many said was impossible and succeeded in getting the Protect College Sports Act through the Senate with a huge bipartisan vote. I am proud of our success, and I trust the House of Representatives will remain focused on bringing stability to college sports by delivering the Protect College Sports Act to President Trump’s desk without delay.” President Donald Trump also reacted to the vote on Monday night calling it "a really big deal." "Congratulations to Randy Levine, President of the New York Yankees, and all of those who worked with him, on a job well done!" Trump added. The bill follows a 2025 court settlement that allowed schools to pay athletes for their image, likeness and name, the reports.
Below is a list of U.S. senators who voted against the act: This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information. Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Edward T.
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