The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 on Monday night with a vote of 77 to 22. This legislative move aims to reform the collegiate athletic system’s protocols on transfers and payments for player likeness. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The act seeks to establish a unified set of rules for college athletics, addressing the evolving landscape where athletes can earn from their name, image, and likeness. Proponents believe federal legislation is essential to replace the varying state laws. However, opponents worry about potential constraints on athletes’ rights.
Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, expressed his opposition on social media. He stated, “College athletes put their bodies on the line every day and generate billions for their universities, conferences, and the NCAA. The Protect College Sports Act pulls the rug out from under them. I will keep fighting alongside college athletes until they get the rights and protections they deserve.”
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, hailed the bill’s passage as a significant achievement. In correspondence with Newsweek, he stated, “Today is a monumental day for college athletics. The United States Senate voted to protect the hundreds of thousands of student athletes currently competing in college sports, the millions who will follow in their footsteps, and every college sports fan who wants to preserve this great American tradition for generations to come.”
He noted the collaboration efforts that led to widespread bipartisan support and expressed confidence in the upcoming House vote, saying, “After years of discussions and months of intense deliberations, we achieved what many said was impossible and succeeded in getting the Protect College Sports Act through the Senate with a huge bipartisan vote. I am proud of our success, and I trust the House of Representatives will remain focused on bringing stability to college sports by delivering the Protect College Sports Act to President Trump’s desk without delay.”
President Donald Trump also commented on the Senate’s decision, calling it “a really big deal.” He extended congratulations to Randy Levine, President of the New York Yankees, and others who contributed to the efforts.
This legislative development follows a 2025 court settlement permitting schools to compensate athletes for their image, likeness, and name.
Senators Who Voted Against the Bill
Below is a list of U.S. senators who voted against the act:
- Angela Alsobrooks, a Maryland Democrat
- Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat
- Lisa Blunt Rochester, a Delaware Democrat
- Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat
- Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat
- Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat
- Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat
- Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat
- Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat
- Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat
- Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat
- Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat
- Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican
- Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat
- Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent
- Adam Schiff, a California Democrat
- Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat
- Rick Scott, a Florida Republican
- Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat
- Raphael Warnock, a Georgia Democrat
- Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat
- Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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