The Protect College Sports Act got renewed momentum after the SEC and the Big Ten changed their stance on the bill. Since it was drafted in June 2026, the two powerhouse conferences had opposed it, citing several issues. However, after some revisions from Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, they are ready to back it. That change of heart also invited a joint statement from the Big 12 and ACC.

“We are encouraged to see the Big Ten and SEC join the Big 12, the ACC, and so many others in support of the Protect College Sports Act,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in his statement. “Broad alignment around a practical, sustainable framework that supports student-athletes, institutions, conferences, and fans is an important step forward for college athletics.” 

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips highlighted the legal protections: “The ACC continues to support the Protect College Sports Act, and we appreciate Senators Cruz, Cantwell, and Schmitt for their bipartisan leadership that has moved this effort forward. As a league, we are pleased to have a bill that provides for continued protection on a new eligibility and transfer model, state preemption, and enhanced federal regulation of agents.” 

Now, the bill can have a full vote before the Senate moves to recess. Senate majority leader John Thune can call it early next week. The summer recess starts on August 7.

However, this wasn’t looking likely a few days ago. Specifically, the revisions introduced by the bill’s sponsors address the financial framework of college programs.

The House v. NCAA settlement has already established a revenue-sharing cap. The Big Ten and the SEC feared antitrust lawsuits. According to The Roanoke Times, Senators Cruz, Cantwell, and Schmitt had extensive conversations with major power brokers in college athletics, especially Greg Sankey and Tony Petitti.

Finally, after the leaders of the two conferences were made aware of the changes, they publicly supported the bill. Among the revisions, one is the strengthening of the language regarding loopholes that programs can use to bypass the strict spending cap.

The Big Ten and the SEC also had issues with how the bill addressed media rights. The committee has now added language to address the issue they raised.

The deadline pressure was serious

Congress is scheduled to head into its summer recess. Lawmakers made it clear to conference commissioners that if a deal was not reached immediately, the bill would die, leaving college sports to enter the upcoming fall in absolute financial and legal chaos. 

This is also because with midterms approaching in November, the priorities of Senate leaders will shift. In such a charged atmosphere, it won’t be possible to reach bipartisanship. It is still unclear whether the legislation will reach the 60-vote threshold needed to pass the Senate.

The sponsors of the bill are confident that they are closer to the number. That confidence is bolstered by the fact that it is supported by the White House and has bipartisan sponsors from both major parties.