Big Ten, SEC Oppose College Sports Bill Ahead of June 4 Hearing

3 articles · Updated · KSR · Jun 3

A joint statement from the Big Ten and SEC said they do not support the Protect College Sports Act as drafted, breaking with the ACC and Big 12 ahead of Wednesday’s Senate hearing.
The two leagues said the bill fails to preempt conflicting state laws, shifts too much rulemaking to Congress, could expand litigation, and may reduce direct revenue-sharing payments to athletes under the House settlement framework.
Their opposition matters because the bipartisan bill from Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell seeks a national framework for transfers, eligibility and NIL, and includes a 75% FBS threshold for pooling media rights.
Wednesday’s 9 a.m. ET hearing will feature invited witnesses including Nick Saban, Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua, Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould, Gordon Gee and Utah edge rusher Lance Holtzclaw.

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The Debate Over the Landmark Senate College Sports Bill

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The Protect College Sports Act Showdown: Senate Hearings, Conference Opposition, and the Future of Athlete Compensation in 2026

Overview

On June 3, 2026, the Senate Commerce Committee held a key hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, but the bill quickly faced strong opposition. The Congressional Black Caucus refused to support the Act, citing a lack of engagement with concerns about attacks on Black political representation. At the same time, the Big Ten and SEC conferences did not fully oppose the bill but stressed the need for major changes to ensure lasting stability in college athletics. These events highlight the urgent and complex debate over the future of college sports, with powerful groups demanding more meaningful dialogue and significant revisions to the proposed legislation.

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