The U.S. Senate is nearing a final vote on the Protect College Sports Act, legislation that would reshape how college athletes are paid and how they can transfer between schools, according to the Associated Press and CBS Sports.
CBS Sports reports the bill includes an antitrust shield, transfer limits, and compensation for athletes of up to $50 million. Yahoo Sports, citing reporter Ross Dellenger, said the bill under discussion includes a $48.8 million revenue-share cap.
NPR reports that several sitting senators who previously played college sports are playing an outsized role in shaping the debate, noting that former athletes on both sides of the aisle have influence over the bill's provisions.
According to Yahoo Sports, conference-level executives are separately preparing a 'Plan B' that would incorporate elements of the Senate bill, including the revenue-share cap figure, in case the legislation does not pass or needs an alternative framework.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Associated Press reported the Senate is nearing a vote on a bill addressing athlete payments and transfers.
- NPR highlighted those senators who are former college athletes and their influence over the bill's debate.
“a handful of former college athletes who are now senators on both sides of the aisle have an extra say in the debate” — NPR
Center
- CBS Sports detailed the bill's antitrust shield, transfer limits and compensation provisions of up to $50 million.
- Yahoo Sports reported conference executives are preparing a 'Plan B' including a $48.8 million revenue-share cap, citing reporter Ross Dellenger.
“A coveted antitrust shield, transfer limits and up to $50 million in athlete compensation are at stake as the historic bill faces a crucial floor vote” — CBS Sports
Questions readers ask
What is the Protect College Sports Act?
It is a Senate bill nearing a final vote that would provide an antitrust shield for college sports, limit athlete transfers, and set terms for athlete compensation, according to the Associated Press and CBS Sports.
How much could athletes be compensated under the bill?
CBS Sports reports the bill involves up to $50 million in athlete compensation, while Yahoo Sports, citing reporter Ross Dellenger, cited a $48.8 million revenue-share cap as part of related discussions.
Why are former college athletes in the Senate relevant to this vote?
According to NPR, several senators who are former college athletes, from both political parties, have an extra say in shaping the bill's debate and provisions.
What is the conference executives' 'Plan B'?
According to Yahoo Sports, conference-level executives are crafting an alternative plan that would incorporate elements of the Senate bill, including the $48.8 million revenue-share cap, ahead of the vote.
What happens next?
The Senate is expected to hold a full floor vote on the Protect College Sports Act, according to Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports, though the outcome had not been reported at the time of these accounts.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningSenate nears vote on college sports bill that would rein in athlete payments and transfers
- NPRLeft-leaningAs Congress debates college sports, athletes-turned-senators have a seat at the table
- PBS NewsHourLeft-leaningWATCH LIVE: Senate expected to consider the Protect College Sports Act
- CBS SportsCenterProtect College Sports Act heads to final Senate vote: What to know as landmark bill reaches crucial phase
- CNBCCenterSenate tees up college sports bill aimed at regulating NIL deals
- Yahoo SportsCenterWith Protect College Sports Act on brink of Senate passage, conference leaders working on a 'Plan B'