The U.S. Senate voted 74-24 to advance Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) Protect College Sports Act, making it one step closer to being signed into law – but not without some partisan pushback.
The bill, which would establish nationwide rules for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation, athlete transfers, eligibility and other aspects of college sports, will now face more floor debate before a final passage vote. Although several Democrats voted with Republicans to move the bill forward, some still expressed concerns.
One major critic is Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), who said the bill seeks to give an “unprecedented antitrust exemption” to “protect a system of exploitation” and fails to address its broader issues.
“This bill protects the billions of dollars that coaches and sports industry executives are making over the suppression of compensation for some of the most highly valued athletes in the world,” Sen. Murphy said.
Sen. Cruz said the bill protects an institution “that millions of people love.”
“College sports today are in a crisis,” Sen. Cruz said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. “For years, court decisions, litigation, conflicting state laws, unlimited transfers, eligibility issues and inconsistent enforcement have chipped away at the foundation of college athletics.”
Sen. Cruz has continued to advocate for this bill for months, arguing this “crisis” of inconsistent policies has created an unsustainable landscape for college athletics.
But Sen. Murphy said there is no crisis, pointing to high TV ratings and large fan turnouts.
“There's more fan interest, frankly, now that students are empowered than there was back in the day when students were completely indentured to programs,” Sen. Murphy said.
Yet other Democrats, like Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), said that although the bill isn’t “perfect,” it is necessary to provide a clear framework for the future of college sports.
“I will not let the perfect be the enemy of the essential,” Sen. Cantwell said on the Senate floor. “This is the last best chance to save college sports and put [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] HBCUs at the table where the future gets decided.”
