Senate Approves Comprehensive College Sports Legislation

The U.S. Senate passed the "Protect College Sports Act" (S.4668) with a 77-22 vote on September 28, 2026. This marks the first time either chamber of Congress has approved comprehensive federal legislation to regulate college athletics, which previously operated under diverse state Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, where it faces a government funding deadline and potential revisions, signifying a major step towards national oversight of college sports.