Cruz, Cantwell Unveil Bipartisan Bill To Overhaul College Sports Rules
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan bill in Washington aiming to remake college sports rules and win 60 votes in the Senate.[1]
The Protect College Sports Act would give the NCAA and a new College Sports Commission limited antitrust protections in exchange for athlete protections on health insurance, scholarships and oversight of name-image-and-likeness deals.[1] It would also cap players at one unrestricted transfer over their careers, align a five-year eligibility window and add a "Lane Kiffin Rule" to restrict in-season coaching moves.[1]
Cruz, a Texas Republican, and Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, framed the proposal as a negotiated compromise to break a long-standing congressional impasse over college athletics governance and player rights.[1]
They briefed senators and staff and said they will press for the 60 votes needed to clear the Senate; supporters and critics will now jockey to shape the measure before any floor action.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 27, 2026, Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell briefed details of their bipartisan Protect College Sports Act aimed at winning 60 Senate votes.
- The bill would grant targeted antitrust protection to the NCAA and a new College Sports Commission in exchange for athlete protections on health insurance, scholarships, and NIL oversight.
- It would limit players to one unrestricted transfer over their careers, align with a five-year eligibility period, and add a "Lane Kiffin Rule" restricting in-season coaching moves.
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