Cruz, Cantwell Race to Revise 100-Page College Sports Bill Before August Recess

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 24

Thursday night talks still had not produced revision language for the SEC and Big Ten, leaving the two most powerful conferences unable to back the Protect College Sports Act in its current form.
Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are trying to move the bipartisan bill to the Senate floor before the August recess, even after Senate Majority Leader John Thune said a vote before the break looks unlikely.
The bill would create a national NIL framework and allow athletes one penalty-free transfer over five years, but the SEC and Big Ten object to limits on future expansion and language on pooled media rights.
Greg Sankey called the August recess a key milestone, warning that once Congress returns in September, budget fights and other priorities could push college sports legislation further down the agenda.
Even if senators deliver revisions and clear the Senate, the measure still faces House hurdles and continued legal pressure over athlete eligibility and compensation.