U.S. Senate Advances Bipartisan Bill to Overhaul College Athletics
On June 3, 2026, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on a bipartisan bill to regulate college sports, addressing financial pressures, athlete payments, and transfer rules. Legendary coach Nick Saban testified, warning the system is unsustainable. The bill, backed by President Trump, would grant the NCAA antitrust exemption, establish NIL rules, and limit transfers. A markup is set for June 18. The SEC and Big Ten oppose the revenue-sharing proposal, while amendments on transgender athletes and coach mobility are expected.
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Senate Panel Schedules Markup on Bipartisan College Sports Bill
The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a markup for June 18 on a bipartisan college sports bill sponsored by Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), which has the backing of President Donald Trump. The legislation would create nationwide rules for student-athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings, grant the NCAA limited antitrust power, and establish a potential revenue-sharing system. Amendments are expected to protect non-revenue Olympic sports and address large coach salaries and movement between programs, such as Lane Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss to LSU. Senators including Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) signaled possible changes, including restrictions on coach movement and a ban on men in women's sports. The SEC and Big 10 conferences oppose the initial version, particularly the revenue-sharing proposal.
Roll CallSenate Panel Sets Markup on Bipartisan College Sports Bill
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a June 18 markup for a bipartisan college sports bill sponsored by Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), with backing from President Donald Trump. The legislation would create nationwide rules for student-athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings, grant the NCAA limited antitrust authority, and establish a potential revenue-sharing system. Amendments are expected to protect non-revenue Olympic sports and address large coaching salaries and movement, such as Lane Kiffin's transfer from Ole Miss to LSU during the playoffs. The SEC and Big 10 conferences oppose the initial version, particularly the revenue-sharing proposal. Senators also raised concerns about legal fees for athletes and potential restrictions on men playing in women's sports.
Roll CallSenate panel sets markup on college sports bill
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a markup for June 18 on a bipartisan bill proposing sweeping changes to college athletics, backed by President Donald Trump. The legislation, sponsored by Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), would create nationwide rules for student-athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings, grant the NCAA limited antitrust power, and establish a potential revenue-sharing system. Amendments are expected to protect non-revenue Olympic sports and address high coach salaries and movement, such as Lane Kiffin's transfer. The SEC and Big 10 conferences oppose the initial version, particularly the revenue-sharing proposal. Senators also raised concerns about legal fees for athletes and potential restrictions on men playing in women's sports.
Roll CallNick Saban warns Congress college sports is a Ferrari racing toward the Grand Canyon
Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban testified before the Senate Commerce Committee in support of a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell to overhaul college sports regulation. The bill aims to regulate athlete payments, limit transfers, and restrict coaching moves. Saban likened the current system to a Ferrari speeding toward the Grand Canyon, urging Congress to 'tap the brakes.' The SEC and Big Ten, the most powerful conferences, skipped the hearing and oppose the bill, arguing it leaves critical issues unresolved. Cruz called the bill 'the last, best hope' for college athletics. The Congressional Black Caucus urged a pause on the legislation, citing concerns over recent Supreme Court rulings on voting rights. President Trump has not commented, and Senate passage remains uncertain amid opposition from some senators.
Fortune | FORTUNESenators Urge Quick Action to Halt College Sports Decay
During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on June 3, 2026, senators and college officials urged swift passage of a bipartisan bill to overhaul college athletics. Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) and ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) warned that college sports are being 'torn apart' by financial pressures and an 'arms race of money.' Legendary coach Nick Saban testified that the current pay-for-play model is unsustainable, citing the elimination of over 100 women's and Olympic sports programs and more than 1,000 scholarships since 2023. The bill aims to provide the NCAA with an antitrust exemption, establish a five-year eligibility window for athletes, and limit transfer portal usage. Senators from both parties expressed general support, though some sought amendments on transgender athlete participation and coach mobility. The hearing appeared designed to build momentum ahead of a committee markup.
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